Most Popular Things to do in Semaphore
- Semaphore Carousel: Nestled in the heart of Semaphore, SA, the Semaphore Carousel is a delightful attraction that has captivated generations of visitors. Steeped in nostalgia and charm, this historic carousel stands as a testament to the timeless joy of amusement rides. Its beautifully crafted wooden horses, painted with vibrant colors and intricate details, transport riders to a bygone era. A visit to the Semaphore Carousel is a perfect outing for families, as children and adults alike can revel in the enchanting atmosphere and create lasting memories.
- Semaphore Jetty: Completed in 1860, the Semaphore jetty is a focal point of cultural events such as the annual Kite Festival and Greek Festival. It overlooks the Fort Glanville steam train, which operates as a heritage item by the National Railway Museum. A World War I memorial clock was built in 1925 at the landward end of the jetty
- Semaphore Beach: The beach is wide and generally safe for swimming, making it a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. It’s the busiest beach on the LeFevre Peninsula and is conveniently located for people living in the northern suburbs of metropolitan Adelaide. The Semaphore Surf Life Saving club patrols the beach during the summer months
- The Odeon Star: This historic cinema in Semaphore Road is the oldest purpose-built cinema in Adelaide. It has been renovated and refurbished over the years and is currently run by independent operators. This could be an interesting location for film enthusiasts to visit
- Fort Glanville: Situated in close proximity to Semaphore, SA, Fort Glanville is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those curious about South Australia’s past. This well-preserved historic fort offers a glimpse into the region’s military heritage. Constructed in the 19th century, Fort Glanville showcases the architectural prowess of the time and provides a captivating insight into the defensive strategies employed in that era. Visitors can explore the fort’s barracks, gun emplacements, and museum displays, immersing themselves in the stories of the past and gaining a deeper understanding of Australia’s history.
- Shopping and Dining: Semaphore Road contains a large number of retail stores, with many aimed at the large number of summer visitors. It offers a wide range of food vendors, clothing boutiques, and gift retailers. Semaphore Road was even voted the People’s Choice Award for best main street in South Australia for 2014
- Semaphore Library: The Semaphore Library in Semaphore, SA, is a fascinating historic site that holds significant cultural value for the community. It stands as a testament to the rich history of the area and offers a wealth of information and resources for visitors. The library’s architecture and design reflect the charm of the past, making it a visually appealing destination for history enthusiasts and architecture buffs. Whether you’re interested in delving into the library’s extensive collection of books or simply exploring its atmospheric surroundings, a visit to the Semaphore Library promises an enriching experience.
- Port Adelaide Football Club: For sports enthusiasts, the former training grounds of the Australian rules football team, Port Adelaide Football Club, might be of interest. The grounds are now tenanted by Adelaide United
More About Semaphore and It’s History
The City of Adelaide has a wonderful reputation as the city of churches and parks. However the South Australian capital also has a wonderful treasure of beautiful seaside suburbs, once townships in their own right and rich in history.
To preserve its wonderful beaches and adjacent seaside suburbs, an innovative state government and council funded program known as ‘Adelaide’s Living Beaches – A strategy for 2005 – 2025′ was implemented to restore, enhance and protect these beautiful seaside settlements. The program covers Adelaide’s southern and central beaches.
The picturesque suburb of Semaphore has benefitted substantially from the Living Beaches Program with much of the shoreline infrastructure restored including the Semaphore Railway Siding and Steam Train Kiosk, Semaphore’s Time Ball Tower and the Semaphore Jetty.
Semaphore is nestled close to a glistening white sandy beach on St Vincent Gulf. Here the waters are so blue it is hard to see where the sky and sea meet and the beautiful Semaphore beach seems to extend for an eternity punctuated only by the historic jetty that extends far out into the Gulf.
When the Semaphore area was surveyed for sale in 1849, Le Fevre Peninsula was virtually an island of sandhills and tidal swamps, often occupied by local aborigines. Just two years later George Coppin, often regarded as the ‘Father of Australian Theatre’, built a two storied timber hotel, The Semaphore, on the southern corner of Blackler Street and The Esplanade. Coppin erected a flagpole to signal the approach of ships and new customers to the White Horse Cellars, his other hotel in Port Adelaide. The area around his beach inn took the name he conferred on it – The Semaphore.
By 1856 an official Government signal station had been set up at the corner of Semaphore Road and The Esplanade. Signalmen on watch recorded the identity, arrival, departure and destination of all ships in St Vincent’s Gulf. They also relayed information on water depth, tides and instructions for loading and discharging cargoes. Maritime pilots had to live within one mile of the station, and each had a personal flag which summoned him when a ship required a pilot. The Signal Station grew increasingly complex over the years and became a picturesque landmark.
The Semaphore skyline is dominated by the Time Ball Tower, a magnificent sandstone tower erected as a means to enable ships at anchor in Adelaide’s Inner Harbour to rate their chronometers.
Semaphore’s importance as a communications centre was established when a Telegraph and Post Office was established in 1856. The Time Ball Tower was erected in 1875 adjacent to the Signal Station. Before wireless time-signals were invented these towers were found at all main ports throughout the world.
The tower gained its name because of its purpose. At 12.57pm precisely each day, a black ball was hoisted from the tower’s masthead and lowered at 1.00 pm by electric release from the Adelaide Observatory. With the introduction of wireless time signals, the service was discontinued in 1932.
Semaphore Jetty was completed in 1860. In 1917, an electric tram service from Port Adelaide commenced. The 1920s were boom times for Adelaide beach suburbs including Glenelg, Semaphore and Largs Bay. Large crowds were drawn to the beaches and adjacent charming hotels and dance halls. The tram service ceased in 1935, the functions of the Signal Station and Time Ball Tower were transferred to Outer Harbor, and the grand old jetty was much shortened by severe storms.
Today, as a result of efforts by the South Australian Harbours Board, the Time Ball Tower has been fully restored and enjoys magnificent views of the gulf. Surrounded by lavender gardens, the tower is a tribute to the craftsmanship of early stone masons.
Across the Esplanade from the tower is another prominent landmark – the Great War Memorial. The memorial is a granite and basalt tower clock atop which is perched an angel, to watch over the souls of the fallen in the Great War 1914 – 1918.
Close by, is a laid plaque and anchor in memory of the gallant sea captains, officers and men of the sailing ships which visited Port Adelaide, particularly the master mariners who lived in Semaphore.
The beachfront is a pleasant place with avenues of pines, children’s playgrounds and a nearby theme park complete with water slide and ferris wheel.
Public facilities include undercover barbeques and tables surrounded by carefully manicured lawns. Beautifully restored sandstone brick residences stand proudly along Main Street and Semaphore Esplanade. The area has become home to trendy cafes, restaurants, specialty shops and galleries.
Semaphore is home to the oldest working carousel in the southern hemisphere, the glorious 1920s Palais bathing pavilion and the Ozone Theatre building.
Semaphore Road is one of Adelaide’s widest boulevards. Stylish boutiques have opened alongside the area’s famous ‘old salt’ pubs. Contemporary cafes are serving beneath the tin ceilings of century-old buildings. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of food styles in a beachfront atmosphere, where fine dining, great pubs and alfresco cafes offer everything from fish and chips to haute cuisine.
A walk to the end of the old timber jetty is an enjoyable experience as the jetty passes over the sand dunes and white sandy beach. Semaphore is a fine example of the combination of local community dedication and government resources to ensure that vthe wonderfully colourful and rich maritime history is preserved for future generations.
Many community events are held on the Semaphore foreshore, principal among them the annual Semaphore Street Fair which has grown, over the past decade, into Port Adelaide/Enfield’s biggest one day community celebration. It is a delightful fun-filled day full of activities. Last year, more than 40,000 people came to explore the fine food, funky shopping and entertainment on Semaphore Road and the neighbouring foreshore. The Street Fair is generally held in November and is a celebration of Semaphore’s vibrant community life and revitalised historic seaside heritage.
Story: Luke Wylde
Photography: Janey Harper and SA Tourism
Luke is a real explorer who loves nothing more than hitting the road and discovering new places. He's big into learning about different cultures, and he's always got his eye out for the next adventure.
On top of that, Luke is a massive nature buff. He loves to be outdoors, whether that's hiking up a mountain or chilling in a local park. There's just something about being in the open air that really makes him happy.
As for his personality, Luke's a super friendly guy who's always ready to meet new people. He loves a good laugh and is all about having a great time, wherever he is.
With all his travels and love for nature, Luke's got heaps of stories to share. Whether you're up for a chat about different cultures, need some tips for your next outdoor adventure, or just want to have a laugh, Luke's your guy.
I have lived in Semaphore a total of 36 years first time for 27 years I moved away Temporary after selling my property that was completely renovated & extended, for a record price. Then come back to my present property and have been right in the heart of Semaphore this time for nealy 9 years when I moved away I intended to come back to a smaller property but stayed very close by for 7 years….So I have been here for around half of my life…and I love it