PORT GERMEIN Port Germein is the next small town just a little north of Port Pirie. Similar to many a small town in Australia Port Germein is struggling with survival. Empty shops characterize this small town dilemma. Port Germein can boast having the longest wood construction jetty in Australia. The Jetty therefore determines a visit and time spent at the township. Named after either Captain John Germein or his brother Port Germein was proclaimed in 1878. There is evidence of heritage care within the town. Port Germein was once an important transport hub for the surrounding districts following the opening of its jetty in 1881 - at the time known as the longest jetty in the Australia 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. Bagged wheat came from the local area, the eastern side of the Southern Regions via Port Germein Gorge (opened in 1879), and from the west coast in smaller boats. About 100,000 bags of wheat were loaded per year. The jetty was extended to its full length of 1680m in 1883. With the opening of the port came an influx of workers from Adelaide, and by 1900 the town's population had grown to over 300. Use of the port declined when rail was extended to Port Germein in 1934, and the jetty was later reduced to its present length of 1532m due to storm damage. The lighthouse was erected at the end of the jetty in 1894, replacing the Port Germein Lightship. The lighthouse was manned until July 1917, when it was replaced by an AGA flashing light. The lighthouse was re-established at its current site in 1975. The Port Germein War Memorial is located on the main street. The Port Germein Hotel is century plus classic corner pub. There is no Museum in the town but there is this exhibit. The single very old church has duel denomination use. United in the am and Catholic in the pm. The longest jetty and that window  beckons. Heritage diary