A $1.2 million Foreshore redevelopment opened by the Queen during the Royal visit to Whyalla in 1986, and the expenditure of around $3 million since on the development of a marina and boat launching facility, has given Whyalla an exceptional foreshore.
Excellent facilities for the visitor include a modern Foreshore Centre with cafeteria, change rooms and toilets, and lifesaving and rescue headquarters; extensive lawns, free BBQs and popular playground; and the linking of the Foreshore with Ada Ryan Gardens to provide a large, passive recreational area.
The playground, with its distinctive green shelter to help Summer sun protection, is a sure favourite with the youngsters.
The beach offers safe swimming in relatively shallow waters, while a nearby fishing jetty is well used by anglers looking for catches of tommy ruff, garfish, some species of whiting, squid and blue swimming crabs. Low tide in Summer attracts holidaymakers who walk out to the 'blue line' in search of a feed of these fresh crabs.
Wheelchair access to the jetty is available via a concrete path from the car park to the jetty.
Foreshore waters are popular with windsurfers because of the excellent conditions, and their craft add a splash of colour to the boats and sails of local and visiting aquatic pleasure seekers.
With an area of about eight hectares, a depth of 2.4 metres at low tide, 32 floating moorings for vessels up to 13 metres, pile moorings for an additional 36 vessels, a floating service jetty, and a fourlane boat launching ramp, the marina has provided access to some of SA's best fishing grounds. It is also home to the clubrooms of the Whyalla Yacht Club, Whyalla Sport Fishing Club, and Whyalla Boatowners Association.
A launching fee applies at the boat ramp to assist with ongoing maintenance. Access to the launching area is controlled by a ticket machine.
The marina, in conjunction with Whyalla's weather and good fishing, has proven a great success, with between 50 and 100 cars and boat trailers often lining the car park at the one time, while the breakwaters have given shore anglers more spots from which to choose.
As part of the marina development, a new beach has been created at the extreme eastern end. This offers an alternative site for swimming and is less affected by low tides. Other facilities include a beach shelter provided by the Lions Club of Whyalla, car park, and public toilets (including showers) next to the nearby yacht club.
