The prime exhibit, the 1941 HMAS Whyalla, the first ship built by BHP Ltd, the first ship launched in Whyalla and the first warship constructed in South Australia, is standing on dry land near the Lincoln Highway.
In the museum building, a permanent exhibition explains the story of the four WWII warships built in Whyalla during World War Two, the BHP Ltd. Shipbuilding era and the early maritime heritage of the first European exploration of the upper Spencer Gulf, including the 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders’ charts and journals. While the natural history gallery features the Spencer Gulf’s diverse marine environment including the large population of sharks, the Aboriginal section reveals the history of the 6,000 years old tribal presence in the area and their unique rituals connected with the sea.
Discover one of the largest HO model railways in Australia featuring the railways, steelworks, mines, towns and landscape between Whyalla, Iron Knob, Port Augusta, Snowtown and Adelaide. The total length of the track is 226 m.
The museum complex is surrounded by tranquil Australian native plants garden with another museum vessel – fishing boat Valkyrie, outdoor objects, and free barbecue facilities.