Located on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla is the third most populous city in South Australia, and boasts a warm climate, accessible beaches and great fishing. Whyalla developed as an industrial city with integrated steelworks and shipbuilding facilities. Iron ore has also been exported from Whyalla since 1903. Visit the Whyalla Maritime Museum and tour the HMAS Whyalla.
The annual winter mating of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the shallow waters near Whyalla is a sight to behold. Thousands of Giant Australian Cuttlefish, also known as sepia apama, migrate to the coastline between False Bay and Fitzgerald Bay near Whyalla for spawning. This species of cuttlefish can grow up to 0.6m | 2ft long and weigh up to 5kg | 11lbs. The mating rituals can be observed by both divers and snorkelers in depths of water typically 3-5m | 10-16ft deep.
The cuttlefish change their colours and patterns based on threats but also as part of their mating behaviour. These amazing underwater scenes can be witnessed during the southern winter between May and August. The water temperatures range between 12-15°C | 53-59°F during the mating season. The dive sites are accessible by shore and access points have been installed to assist divers in entry and exit from the water.