The old lighthouse was erected at the end of the jetty in 1894, replacing the Port Germein Lightship. Showing a fixed light with 2 white sectors and 1 red sector, it was manned until replaced by an AGA flashing light in July 1917. It was re-erected at its present site in 1975. The clock-face tide gauge, which indicated the depth of water, was restored and relocated in 1989. It was originally near the entrance to the Port Pirie shipping channel.