Standing on the waterfront is the iconic Port Germein Pier Hotel. Built in 1878 by Samuel Miller and called the Miller Hotel from 1879 -1887. The hotel has had several other names including the Continental. (Samuel Miller is reputed to have been the first European man to find a route through the Pt Germein gorge
Port Germein was a major grain shipping port from the 1880’s until the 1940’s, serving as a critical wheat and wool exporting hub. At its peak it became the largest grain-loading port in Australia, servicing large windjammers and sailing ships from Britain and Europe. Many of the streets of Port Germein are named after these
Captain John Germein is the possible discoverer of Port Germein. A master of an active trading steamer Ceres that ran between Port Adelaide and Stansbury, he is reputed to have discovered the inlet whilst exploring the coast in 1840. Though there is some dispute as to whether it was John or his brother Samuel Germein
B&W Photograph of High St Port Germein looking towards foreshore, showing the Pier Hotel, Goods Shed, train tracks and groups of people.
View of paddocks, some fencing visible in foreground, trees in middle distance and large clouds of dust
B&W photo showing High St looking towards foreshore with loaded carts on train tracks
Laminated B&W Photograph showing timber house alongside garage with 2 petrol bowsers. Sign on top of garage – A. Flugge Service Garage, All Repairs, Tyres, Accessories, Oxy Welding, Batteries Charged
Port Germein has many stories. One unusual story is when Jesus came to Port Germein. In October 2000 Port Germein attracted national and world-wide attention when a nightly apparition of Jesus appeared on the wall of the local Caravan Park. First spotted by local resident Shelly Brooks the vision appeared to show the face of
Port Germein has a rich heritage and history that should not be lost. The port with it’s jetty was a foundation stone for our state and certainly a gateway for the expansion of settlement in the area.
A quintessential part of Port Germein, the Red Post Shop Café general store and post office has a long history. As Port Germein grew following the construction of the Jetty in 1881 the need for shops to services the growing community and ships was evident. In 1885 T. B Marshalls & Sons called for a
A Port Germein School History Lesson July 13, 1880: The original Baroota (Gorge Rd) site for the Port Germein School is formally dedicated and the school is expected be completed in 6 weeks August 12, 1880: The vessel Sir William Foster goes aground 2 miles off Port Germein with the school building materials on board.
Nowadays the only train that runs in Port Germein is the Crab Train, though historically Port Germein had trains running down High St to the foreshore and to the end of the jetty. Integral to Port Germein’s role as a major transport hub, trains were used to move freight and people from the freight yards
Written description beneath photo – Wheat teams within in the main street during the wheat season (This is prior to the building of the Booleroo Centre railway)
