Welcome to Whyalla’s wildest winter ritual
Each winter, something pretty mind-blowing happens off the coast of Whyalla.
Tens of thousands of Australian Giant Cuttlefish shimmy their way into the rocky shallows of the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park, turning the ocean into an underwater party of shape-shifting colour and drama. Why? To hop on the good foot, do the bad thing, and make baby-cuttlefish. And like all good courtship rituals, it involves a bit of showing off.
With their wild colour changes, eye-popping patterns, and sneaky tactics to win over a partner, the cuttlefish put on a show that’s become famous around the globe. Divers, scientists, filmmakers and curious cuttelfish groupies now make the annual trip to Whyalla just to see them strut their stuff.
And while the cuttlefish are the main attraction, Whyalla’s Cuttlefest is all about making the most of it.
Still plenty of ways to get amongst it
If you’re not keen on freezing your bits off in the ocean, you can still get a front-row seat. Glass-bottom boat tours with Cuttys or Spencer Gulf Adventures will float you straight over the action with no wetsuit required. The Freedom Explorer, Spencer Gulf’s 20-seater boat, offers a comfy, dry, and seriously impressive view of the breeding grounds, while Cuttys keeps it short and sharp with a 45-minute ride.
Or, if you’re feeling brave, Whyalla Diving Services and Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries are running guided snorkel and dive sessions so you can get up close and personal with the stars of the show. Whether you’re a total rookie or a seasoned diver, they’ve got all the gear, all the knowledge, and all the safety boxes ticked.
It’s not just about the water
Cuttlefest has well and truly taken over Whyalla, with a bunch of art, photography and marine-themed events running right through June and July. The Cuttlefest Art Prize is back, showing off local creativity with a prize pool of $3000, while the Underwater and Marine Photography Exhibition gives visitors a look at the magic of the sea with no snorkel needed.
New events and updates are being added throughout the season, so it’s worth checking in regularly with the Whyalla Council’s socials.
Planning your trip?
The cuttlefish aren’t hanging around forever – the peak season runs through until the end of July – so now’s the time to pack a towel, grab a thermos, and head for Whyalla.
Check out the full Cuttlefest program here and make a weekend of it.
