Port Germein
The tradition of a quaint seaside holiday is alive and well at Port Germein. Breathe in the fresh sea air in a beautiful town that takes in both the Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges.
The local Aboriginal Nukunu tribe discovered seafood aplenty at Port Germein and by the mid-1800s, Europeans started farming this area of the Southern Flinders Ranges. It was determined that a port would be needed to transport animals and produce but this was made difficult by the long shallow tidal flats. To overcome this, the wooden jetty being constructed needed to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere to reach water deep enough for boats to load their cargo – a decision that has put Port Germein on the map and created a must see attraction for visitors to the area.
While there is debate about whether the jetty is still the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, it stands proud today, more than 130 years after its completion. Port Germein is one of the region’s fishing and crabbing hotspots, renowned for blue swimmer crabs which are plentiful in shallow tidal waters. But if you don’t want to cast a line (or net) you can still take a stroll around along the 1.5 kilometre jetty or go for a dip in the Spencer Gulf and take in the spectacular views.
The recently upgraded Port Germein foreshore is a pleasure in itself. Look out to the mangrove tidal estuary and see the amazing bird species. Free BBQs, picnic tables and a fantastic playground allow the perfect spot to cook up your catch. The park also includes a Mosaic Trail, with local community groups creating beautiful mosaic tops on each of the picnic tables.
Call into the general store to pick up the essentials or finish the day with dinner and a cold beverage at the local hotel. Port Germein also has a post office, hardware store, coffee shop and art gallery. There are plenty of places to stay including the local caravan park opposite the foreshore and the homely bed and breakfast.
The Foreshore Market is one not to miss, full of local produce and products held on 26 Jun 2022 9am - 1pm and 25th Sep 2022 9am - 1pm.
While on this side of the range, 10km east of Port Germein is the Telowie Gorge National Park boasting beautiful bush walks and nature experiences. Also out of Port Germein is the Port Germein Gorge. It was severely damaged in the 2014 bushfire and flood but has reopened and is ready for business. The scenic drive hosts deep ravines, magnificent gum trees and spectacular views of the rocks and cliff faces.