Wallaroo: History, Art and Activities by the Water

Wallaroo offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: local history, art and activities by the water. The Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum and the Historic Wallaroo Town Drive offer different ways to explore the town’s history. The Wallaroo Art Trail features murals, sculptures and mosaics; at the Wallaroo Jetty, the focus is on water and wildlife. If you’re looking for a hotel in Wallaroo, you can prioritise these highlights according to what you’d like to make time for during your trip.

At the Wallaroo Jetty: Wildlife and Activities

The Wallaroo Jetty extends 869 metres into water up to 10 metres deep. The area is home to a diverse range of birdlife and numerous marine species. Divers can swim between the pylons to observe the varied marine life. Swimming and fishing are other options in Wallaroo. Diving offers a closer look at marine life, while swimming and fishing cater to other interests by the water.

The end of the jetty may be closed when ships are moored there. If you plan to visit the far end, take this possible closure into account and don’t assume access will always be open.

Local History: Museum and Town Drive

The Historic Wallaroo Town Drive starts and ends at the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum, on the corner of Jetty Road and Emu Street. The route is about nine kilometres long and can be completed in one to two hours. It passes numerous historically significant sites and gives you an impression of Wallaroo’s history and development.

The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from the copper-smelting era and postal and telephone history to religious and civic affairs. They also cover early pioneer figures, industry, sport and entertainment, nautical topics and general local history in Wallaroo. The mix of economic, everyday and maritime themes offers several perspectives on the town’s development, rather than narrowing it to its copper past.

One specific exhibit connects the nautical theme with an unusual discovery story: “George the Giant Squid” is a giant squid recovered from the stomach of a whale and preserved in formalin.

Art and More Ideas for Planning Your Trip

The Wallaroo Art Trail explores the history, way of life and people of Wallaroo and North Beach through numerous murals. It also includes sculptures and mosaics throughout the towns. The trail also features the nightly Silo Light Show.

The Wallaroo Adventure Playground has a large shaded play area. If you’d like to include a play area in your plans alongside the museum, trail and jetty, this is another option.

Ferry Service

Wallaroo is the home port of the Spencer Gulf Searoad Car and Passenger Ferry. If you’re including the ferry in your trip, check the current timetable in advance, as transport arrangements can change.

Discover more destinations: Kadina, Moonta, North Moonta, Port Hughes.

Go to the main travel overview: District Council of the Copper Coast.