Semaphore is a vibrant historic seaside town with lots to offer. Enjoy the expanse of green foreshore – two kilometres of public space preserved for what the beach is supposed to be all about. Fun! Play mini-golf, slither down the water slide, ride on the vintage carousel or Ferris wheel, buy ice creams and fish and chips from a beachside kiosk, cycle on the bike track, and ride on the steam train that puffs along the shoreline all summer long.
Semaphore’s history isn’t confined to a museum. Even from the end of the jetty you can see the Timeball Tower, the oldest working carousel in the southern hemisphere, the glorious 1920s Palais bathing pavilion (now the Semaphore Palais hotel), historical buildings along Semaphore Road and the Ozone Theatre building.
For more information on visiting Semaphore contact the Semaphore Information and Eco Centre located in the Semaphore Library on 08 8405 6570 by email at semaphoreinfocentre@myway.com or via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sema4eco/info
Check out the Semaphore SA website – http://semaphoresa.com.au/
The Port Adelaide Enfield Council website also has information on things to do in and around Semaphore here.
Accommodation
Want to wake in the morning to the sound of waves? Start the day with a swim. In the area you’ll find bed and breakfasts, apartments, a caravan park, heritage pub style hotel accommodation, student accommodation and even a converted church.
Find out about accommodation in and around Semaphore here.
Be entertained
Find your favourite spot to eat by the beach where live entertainment is usually on offer. Head to the Odeon Star Cinema to check out the latest movies.
Check out what is happening in Semaphore on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SemaphoreSAust
Browse Semaphore’s Mainstreet
Semaphore’s heart is Semaphore Road, one of Adelaide’s widest boulevards, and it’s a delight to enjoy some retail therapy by day and dining options day and night. Funky boutiques have opened their doors alongside famous ‘old salt’ pubs creating a fantastic eclectic shopping experience.
Dine out
There is food galore on Semaphore Road. Contemporary cafes and bars serve beneath the tin ceilings of century-old buildings. Indulge in high quality food in a beachside atmosphere, where fine dining and great pubs mix with quirky cafes and good old-fashioned fish and chips.
http://semaphoresa.com.au/business-type/restaurants-cafes-takeaway/
Port River Dolphins
Port Adelaide and the Port River is the home of the Port River Dolphins and a fascinating array of marine life and birds. Forming part of the world-renowned Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the Port River is one of a handful of places in the world where wild dolphins live within a major city. One of Adelaide’s best kept secrets the amazing wild inhabitants of the sanctuary, number about 40 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. The dolphins provide an unlimited source of delight and photographic subject matter.
Follow the link for more information on the Port River Dolphins
Another wonderful and environmentally sensitive way to explore and interact with our Port River Dolphins is to take a tour of the Port River in a kayak. No kayaking experience is required. You can also tour the Ship’s Graveyard with over 20 wrecks to view.
Follow the link for more information about the dolphin kayaking experience
Laze on our Beach
Take a stroll down the Semaphore Jetty with an ice-cream! Enjoy a picnic or barbeque at one of the many free gas barbeques along the foreshore as you take in the view. There are often dolphins and seals playing close to the jetty, enjoy watching the yachts and boats which make a spectacular sight from the beach or the jetty.
Wander our Coastal Pathway
Semaphore is blessed with a foreshore path that hugs the coastline and links the beaches. Walk any part of it and enjoy the stunning scenery as you stroll, run or cycle along. Go for miles or just minutes. Largs Bay is only a 10 minute walk away to the heritage Largs Bay Hotel, Beach Kiosk and Jetty Road’s funky shops.
Festivals and fun in Semaphore
As well as the Semaphore Street Fair, Semaphore also hosts some stunning festivals and fun activities all year round. Other festivals include the Adelaide International Kite Festival, Australia’s largest kite festival for three days at Easter, the Semaphore Greek Festival in January, and the Semaphore Music Festival on the October Long Weekend.
The Semaphore Summer Carnival is open every day and night during the summer school holidays, and the Semaphore Miniature Steam Train operates:
- Every Sunday & Public Holiday from October to April (inclusive)
- Daily during school holidays in October and April, except Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Daily from 26th December to the end of January school holidays
- Please note the train does not operate when the forecast temperature is over 35C