WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Unearth Whyalla's natural wonders.

Wildlife encounters can be discovered under the sea, with Giant Cuttlefish and dolphins and on the land with spectacular birdlife and native animals.
 

GIANT Cuttlefish

The annual migration of the Australian Giant Cuttlefish ‘Sepia apama’ to the waters of the upper Spencer Gulf is one of the most spectacular natural events in the Australian marine environment; the aggregation off Whyalla is unique in the world. The Giant Cuttlefish are easily viewed snorkelling and best filmed diving.

Infrastructure has been installed at Black Point and Stony Point to enable access into the sea to experience the cuttlefish.

At Stony Point at the Santos western boundary fence there is an established platform with seating and interpretive signage, and a 60 metre pathway made of recycled materials which leads down over the rocks to the high water mark (access to the Santos side of the fence line is prohibited).

At Black Point further along the coast there is a wooden staircase which leads down to the rocky shoreline with additional concrete aprons and rails for diver’s use.

Toilets, Changerooms and undercover areas are located at Stony Point Dive site with additional toilets and (cold) showers located at the Point Lowly Marina Camping Area,  closer to the Point Lowly Lighthouse.

The water temperature is between 12°& 15°Celsius from June to August, and we recommend you wear a wetsuit as the cuttlefish are spawning during the winter months and therefore the water is quite cold.

Contact the Whyalla Visitor Centre for more information on diving or snorkelling with Whyalla's Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Call 1800 088 589 or email visitor.centre@whyalla.sa.au 

Dolphins

If you're fortunate you will likely spot a wild pod of resident dolphins playing or feeding somewhere in the Whyalla Marina or along the coast at Point Lowly. Their inquisitive nature can mean a wonderful close encounter when on, in or near the ocean which has given the Whyalla Dolphins a reputation as some of the most friendly in Australia.

Birdlife

Over 80 species of birds have been observed in the Whyalla Conservation Park including the Western Grass Wren. Wedge-tailed Eagles and Australian Kestrels can sometimes be seen soaring in the thermals over Wild Dog Hill. The beautiful song of the Grey Butcherbird is frequently heard.

Other common species that can be seen include the Crested Pigeon, White-browed Babbler, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and the Black-faced Wood swallow.
 

Native animals

Red and Grey Kangaroos are found in the region and Euros can sometimes be seen.

Smaller, inconspicuous mammals are also present; the Common Dunnart is a carnivorous mouse sized marsupial which eats grasshoppers and small lizards.

More than 20 species of reptiles have been recorded in the Whyalla Conservation Park. The Western Brown Snake, Bearded Dragon, Western Bluetongue and Sleepy Lizard are the most commonly seen species. When disturbed, small Striped Skinks scuttle for cover in the undergrowth.