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Port Germein is a small peaceful seaside town 26kms north of Port Pirie. The beach’s shallow water makes it safe for swimming and ideal for crabbing. Fish are caught from the jetty and a stroll along the jetty with the Flinders Ranges in the distance is a pleasant pastime. Port Germein is a popular holiday spot and there are coin operated bbqs and a children's playground along the foreshore. Many people retire to the quiet township.
Port Germein serves the local farming community and caters to visitors. Enjoy a scenic drive through nearby Port Germein Gorge with its deep ravines and magnificent gum trees to Melrose and Mount Remarkable. There's good walking trails with spectacular views of Spencer Gulf at Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, a short drive away..
On the western side of the Mount Remarkable National Park is the settlement of Mambray Creek and headquarters of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The area is the starting point for several walking trails through the park.
Port Germein was a major seaport for wheat shipping. Due to the shallow water along the coast, the long jetty was built to allow sailing ships to be loaded with grain from surrounding districts. Port Germein had the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. About 100,000 bags of wheat were loaded each year. The jetty was extended to 1680m in 1883.
The lighthouse stood sentry at the end of the jetty from 1894 until 1917 when it was replaced by an AGA flashing light. The lighthouse was relocated to the beginning of the Jetty in 1975 as a monument to days past.
In 1934 when rail was extended to Port Germein the port declined. Storm damage to the jetty caused it to be reduced to its present length of 1532m.
History – a fascinating read: The Village Voice: http://www.portgermeinhistory.com/PortGermeinVoice.html
Port Germein Village Project is open by appointment –
Phone 8634 5274 or 8634 5371
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