Semaphore walk – photo supplied
| Start/Finish | Category | Distance | Estimated Walking Time |
| Glanville Station / Largs Station | History and Architecture, Nature | 3.5 km | 55 min* |
Summary
A fantastic coastal walk through one of Adelaide’s oldest suburbs with an array of historical landmarks and buildings along the way.
Public transport
To get there catch the train to Glanville Station, which runs on the Outer Harbor line. Ends at Largs train station.
Directions
Starting Point – Glanville station
The Semaphore walk starts at Glanville train station. From Glanville station head up Causeway road and then turn left down Semaphore road in a westerly direction. Semaphore Road is a popular street for locals and you will will pass an array of shops, restaurants and cafes.
At the end of Semaphore road is the time ball tower which was used between 1875-1932. The tower was a means by which ships could set their chronometers with accuracy before departing on long ocean voyages.
At the end of Semaphore road walk across the Esplanade to Semaphore Jetty. The jetty overlooks Fort Glanville miniature railway. If you have time go and check it out. A popular attraction for families, it runs during the summer months and is operated by the National Railway Museum.
From the Jetty walk northwards past the water slide and Palais Hotel, which provides fantastic views out to the St Vincent Gulf.
Continue walking north along the beach path until you reach Largs Bay Jetty. The Jetty is a great place to take a rest and is used by the locals as a popular fishing and swimming spot.
Once you’re ready to head back, cross over the Esplanade and walk down Jetty road. However, on your way you may want to stop for a drink at the Largs Pier Hotel, which faces the ocean and originally opened in 1882.
In the 1970’s when Australian pub rock ruled the airwaves bands such as ACDC, Cold Chisel and the Angels performed at the hotel. Jimmy Barnes had such fond memories of playing at the venue that he wrote a song “Largs Pier Hotel”, which appears on his 30:30 Hindsight Album.
Finish – Largs station
The walk ends at Largs train station, which is is just a short walk down Jetty road in an easterly direction. From here you can catch a train back to the city.
Semaphore walk – GPX file
To access to the GPX file for this walk click on the download button below.
Information on GPX files and how to import them into Google maps on your phone can be found here.
Semaphore walk – Map
Start – Glanville Train Station
- Time Ball Tower
- Semaphore Jetty
- Palais Hotel
- Largs Jetty
- Largs Pier Hotel
End – Largs Train Station
