Whyalla, South Australia, is home to several museums that showcase the region's rich history and diverse natural habitats. Two prominent museums in the area are the Whyalla Maritime Museum and the Mount Laura Homestead Museum. The museum complex features a large tranquil Australian native plants garden, a boardwalk to the Museum's pond, and plenty of shady lawns. Some of the exhibits include the World War II Gallery, the BHP Shipbuilding Gallery, the Natural History gallery, and the Singing to the Sharks exhibition. Additionally, the museum houses one of the largest H0 gauge model railways in Australia, with over 400 meters of track.
The Mount Laura Homestead Museum is operated by the Whyalla branch of the National Trust and is located in the center of the city. The museum grounds include the Gay Street Cottage, built by the BHP Company in 1914 for rental to workers. Some of the attractions on the museum grounds are a steam locomotive that hauled iron ore from Iron Knob to Hummock Hill in 1902, the Nicolson and Lions Engine Sheds housing more than 60 stationary engines, the first police "lock up," a blacksmith's display, a telecommunications museum, and a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and agricultural implements in "Barber's Barn." The museum showcases various buildings, vehicles, and a heritage rose garden. Both museums offer unique insights into the history and culture of Whyalla and the surrounding region, making them popular attractions for tourists and visitors.