Semaphore’s white sands, family-friendly shallows and colourful foreshore make for a classic Adelaide beach escape.

Semaphore beach is deep and white and backed by low dunes rather than tall buildings, so you get a sense of being miles from anywhere.

Enjoy the expanse of green foreshore – 2 kilometres of public space preserved for what beach holidays are 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.

Semaphore’s maritime 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, historical buildings along Semaphore Road and the Ozone Theatre building.

Semaphore Road – one of Adelaide’s widest boulevards – is finding a new sense of style. Funky boutiques have opened their doors alongside famous ‘old salt’ pubs. Contemporary cafes are serving 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. 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.

The Semaphore Street Fair in November sees the community get together on Semaphore Road to celebrate everything Semaphore! Other events include the Summer Carnival, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day fireworks, the Greek Festival, the Adelaide International Kite Festival and the Semaphore Music Festival. Check out the Semaphore SA website for more information.