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WHYALLA MARITIME MUSEUM & Visitor Centre
The former HMAS Whyalla was the first ship built at Whyalla's BHP Shipyards in 1941. She is one of four wartime corvette built and saw action during the war. HMAS Whyalla was in Sydney Harbour when the attack from a Japanese mini submarine took place, The fascinating story of the corvettes is told in a wartime display at the museum.
One of the most prized artefacts in the museum's collection are the models of Japanese fleet used at the Yokosuka naval base for strategic and military action planning during World War Two. Each ship represents a different class and their names are written in Japanese on the bottom. Most of the ships were identified.
Species of a black stingray, Port Jackson shark, bronze whaler and thresher shark caught in Whyalla waters are on display at the natural history section of the Northern Spencer Gulf Gallery.
The early edition of Flinders diary is a prized part of the collection. Excerpts of Flinders writings about this area are on display and make fascinating reading. Equally interesting are some of French explorer Freycinet impressions.
The museum garden is established as a native species garden with some South African, North American and European plants. It is a green oasis and seating is provided for visitors to relax. The place is home to a great variety of birds including sea birds and birds of prey. Kangaroos are regular guests at unexpected times.
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