PORT GERMEIN and PORT PIRIE SA

  I have travelled from Fitzgerald Bay on the NW coast of the Eyre Peninsula via Port Augusta to Port Germein on the upper West side of the Yorke Peninsula. This tiny fishing village has one claim to fame, a wooden jetty that once was the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Originally 1.7 kilometres, I understand its length today is about 1.5 kilometers having been shortened by storms and other damage over time. It was low tide when i visited and it certainly goes out a long way hence the need for the long jetty. At one end of the jetty there stands a large structure with a clock face that faces out to sea. I assume that it is a tide indicator of some sort. An old lighthouse that was originally erected in 1894 added to the charm of the foreshore precinct. An old Pub, some deserted shops and a Caravan park made up the rest of sleepy Port Germein.  A bit too quiet for a stopover I thought.

Is this a Tide Gauge?

Sunset over Port Germein from an overnight Rest Area nearby

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  Next, just 26 kms down the road to the much larger Port Pirie with an area population 17000 and even a Mcdonalds! It is an industrial city having the largest primary lead smelter in the world. Smelting has been the dominant industry here since 1889. Port Pirie is said to have taken the name from the Schooner "John Pirie" that sailed into the inlet in 1845 to load sheep from the surrounding pastoral districts. In fact the Port has an interesting beginning, with two townships claiming the name.The first township was a private survey in 1848 while the second was a government survey in 1871. The second grew to become the main settlement and the fourth declared port in South Australia. I was impressed with the heritage buildings in town and the fact that there had been an effort to maintain them.

  I need to make a choice now. Do I continue south and explore the Yorke Peninsula or turn north and head into the Flinders Ranges? Thinking,thinking; I am sick of the rain, wind and the cold nights so, I am going to the Flinders where the weather will be more pleasant. I'll do the Yorke next time that I am passing through SA.