Mount Laura Homestead Museum, located in Whyalla, South Australia, is a unique cultural attraction showcasing various aspects of the region's history. The museum complex features several buildings and exhibits, including the Station Homestead, constructed in 1922, housing a collection of photographs and artifacts from the early days of Hummock Hill/Whyalla. Additionally, there is a collection of horse-drawn carriages and early modes of transport highlighting the importance of transportation in the region's history. The Telecommunications Museum displays an extensive collection of items from Electra House, demonstrating the development of communication technology in the area. The Whyalla Gaol, built in 1914 and rescued from demolition, provides a glimpse into the region's law enforcement history. The Nicolson and Lions Engine Sheds showcase historical machinery, including stationary engines, while the Blacksmith Shop contains equipment once used by Broken Hill Proprietary Limited.
The Whyalla Maritime Museum, another popular attraction in the Whyalla region, specializes in naval, BHP shipbuilding, maritime, and natural history of the upper Spencer Gulf. The museum's prime exhibit is HMAS Whyalla, the first modern warship built in 1941 in South Australia, standing on dry land two kilometers from the sea. Other highlights include a diverse marine habitat display featuring marine life such as sharks, stingrays, seahorses, sea dragons, and blue ring octopuses. The museum also houses the 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders' journals and collections of items recovered from the 'Singing to the Sharks' exhibition, documenting the indigenous Aboriginal people of the area. Additionally, visitors can explore the HO gauge Model Railway, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. These museums offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Whyalla region, making them must-visit attractions for travelers exploring South Australia.