Nestled along Adelaide’s picturesque coastline, Semaphore is a seaside destination rich in history, charm, and adventure. Just 14km from the city, this coastal escape offers pristine white sands, family-friendly attractions, and a vibrant foreshore lined with historic architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Whether you’re exploring the jetty at sunset, enjoying a ride on the vintage carousel, or discovering the town’s fascinating maritime past, Semaphore has something for everyone.
Beaches
Semaphore’s white sands, family-friendly shallows and colourful foreshore make for a classic Adelaide beach escape. After walking the path through the dunes, a wide expanse of white sandy beach leads to the water. Enjoy the expanse of green foreshore – two kilometres of public space preserved for what beach holidays are supposed to be all about. Fun! Ride on the vintage carousel, buy ice creams and fish and chips, cycle on the bike track, and ride on the steam train that puffs along the shoreline during the summer season.
History
In Semaphore, our history isn’t confined to a museum. You can often see our local dolphins and seals from the end of the jetty. You can also see the Timeball Tower, one of the only working timeballs left in the world, the oldest working carousel in the southern hemisphere, the glorious 1920s Palais bathing pavilion (now the Semaphore Palais hotel) and historical buildings along Semaphore Road and the Esplanade.
Boulevard
One of Adelaide’s widest boulevards, Semaphore Road, has found a new sense of style. Funky boutiques have opened alongside famous ‘old salt’ pubs, and contemporary cafes serve delish meals 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. Want to wake in the morning to the sound of waves? Start the day with a swim. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, apartments, a caravan park, hotel accommodation, student accommodation, and even a converted church in the area.