Mullaquana Car Rental

Mullaquana, in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, is on the outskirts of Whyalla. Known mostly for its industry, it attracts a small but growing number of tourists each year. Most visitors come in winter, as Whyalla offers a truly unique experience that's not available anywhere else in the world — a chance to swim with giant cuttlefish. Apart from this, there are many other things to see and do in this hidden South Australian gem, and a rental car in Mullaquana will let you explore them all.

If you want to swim with the giant cuttlefish, you will have to visit between June and August. You'll want to head to Stony Point, about 35 km to the north. Thousands of cuttlefish flock here each year for their breeding season. Be sure to take a wetsuit, as the water in winter is extremely cold - but the chance to see these majestic, remarkable creatures up close makes it worthwhile. If nothing can entice you into the chilly waters, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour instead.

Whyalla has long been known for its shipyards, and its Maritime Museum is a major draw. The enormous HMAS Whyalla, a World War II minesweeper, stands on the grounds of the museum. With attractions for young and old, the museum covers more than just the maritime industry. Yes, there is plenty about shipbuilding, but there's also information about sea life and even Aboriginal myths and legends about the sea.

You can take a walk to the Hummock Hill Lookout. This is a fun hike, not too demanding, and will give you great views across the area. From the top, you'll be able to see a panoramic view that sweeps over Whyalla steelworks, the beach, the marina and the city. For a longer hike, try the Freycinet Trail, which runs for 12 km along Fitzgerald Bay. You'll enjoy great views, and there are plenty of spots along the way for a picnic. Be sure to bring enough water and food, though, as you won't be able to buy anything along the way.

Arranging a rental car or van in Mullaquana is a great starting point if you want to explore the surrounding region of South Australia. As you wander around the industrial downtown area, you might be surprised to realize that the outback is just 45 minutes away by car. Head to Port Augusta to start your outback adventure. The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is worth visiting. Here, you'll find a collection of plants that thrive in South Australia, showing the beauty of nature, even in this inhospitable landscape. Beyond that, the stunning Flinders Ranges and remarkable Magnetic Hill are great day trip destinations.

You shouldn't have many issues driving in Mullaquana and Whyalla. This is a smaller city, so it does not have the same issues with traffic that you'll find in larger urban downtowns. Nevertheless, you might want to avoid driving during peak congestion times, with rush hour generally lasting from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Commuters generally head into Whyalla in the mornings and out in the evenings, so keep that in mind when planning your driving.

There are no toll roads anywhere in South Australia. Unless otherwise marked, the speed limit within cities is 50 km/h. Outside of the city, the speed limit is set at 100 km/h.

If you plan to drive to Flinders Ranges, you may want to consider an appropriate type of vehicle. It is not completely necessary to choose a four-wheel drive rental car in Mullaquana to explore the park, but be aware that most roads in the national park are unsealed. Low-clearance vehicles can encounter more problems. If it has recently rained, a four-wheel drive might be necessary, as some muddy roads can be impassable in a two-wheel drive rental car.

Take extra care when driving at night. You should not have any problems in urban areas, but driving outside the city at night poses a higher risk. Between dusk and dawn, many of Australia's animals can also cause huge road problems. Visitors are strongly advised to plan their trips to make sure that most of the driving is done during daylight hours.

South Australia has a particularly high risk for bush fires. The fire danger season runs from November until April. During this time, drivers should be especially vigilant. Pay close attention to local weather reports, and never intentionally drive into an affected area.

When driving into the outback, make sure you are prepared. Bring a paper map, as you might lose your cell signal. Check the locations of gas stations and other services before starting your trip. Make sure that you have plenty of water, as drives in rural Australia can cover extremely long distances. Make sure to take regular rest breaks along the way.