Rod recognised as one of the best tour guides in the state
Whyalla’s own Rod Masters has been recognised as one of the best tour guides in the state, making the top six at the first ever Top Tour Guide Awards.
Rod has been a Whyalla Steelworks tour guide for about 15 years, entertaining tourists from across the globe with his incredible knowledge of our city’s most important industry.
Although Rod didn’t take out the award, the judges said it was an extremely difficult decision, with Rod only just missing out on the top gong.
“It's clear that Rod's passion and in-depth knowledge of the steelworks is directly related to the success of this tour. His authenticity clearly comes from a place of fierce love and loyalty to his community, hometown, and the natural environment,” the judges said.
“Rod certainly was the embodiment of a ‘true blue Aussie’; and Whyalla is lucky to have him as an ambassador both for the steelworks and for the town.”
This sentiment was backed up by OneSteel Manufacturing’s Communications Manager Jon Ortlieb, who said Rod’s knowledge was equal to many who actually worked at the steelworks.
“You instantly warm to Rod the moment you meet him, while his demeanour and enthusiasm on the tours is like having a mate show you around his special place,” Jon said.
“Rod is a larger-than-life character who represents the city of Whyalla with professionalism and pride – we are lucky to have him as a tour guide.”
Rod himself was overwhelmed by the praise and honoured to be considered one of South Australia’s top tour guides.
“It’s humbling to know that people appreciate the work you do – I do it because I’m Whyalla born-and-bred and I love promoting the city to people from across the world,” Rod said.
“Council have been really good to me during my time here, so that makes the job enjoyable, as well as getting to meet people from all different backgrounds and teach them about the uniqueness of our great city and its biggest employer.”
Rod’s also part of an award-winning team, with the Whyalla Visitor Centre named winner of the Excellence in Customer Experience Delivery Award by LG Professionals SA; as well as securing Gold in the Visitor Information Services category at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards.
So, if you want to catch one of the State’s finest in action, be sure to hop on board a steelworks tour – they’re run from the Whyalla Visitor Centre every Monday, Wednesday and Friday @ 9.30am (except public holidays). Check out whyalla.com/tours#steelworks for all the details.
