This review is in equal measure to acquaint my Reader with the rules pertaining to taking ones dog onto the beach at Semaphore and a little self indulgence to introduce my dog, Lucy, to you. Continue reading “Take Your Dog for a Walk or Swim on the Beach”
Time Balls, like this one in Semaphore, were a common sight in port areas around the world before the introduction of wireless telegraphy. The first such Time Ball was constructed at Greenwich, England, in 1833 with this one in Semaphore being built in 1875. Continue reading “The Sentinel of Semaphore”
Notwithstanding a current and very welcome revival, Semaphore’s golden years as a seaside resort was undoubtedly the 1920s and so it was that in 1922 the Fricker Brothers constructed this building as a beach kiosk, bathing pavilion and dance hall – the Semaphore Palais & Cafe. While reports have it that two thirds of Adelaide’s population attended the opening of the Palais, this seems rather exaggerated though the crowd would have been big given the popularity of Semaphore at the time. Continue reading “The Semaphore Palais”
For those into into such things, this is my 1000th blog entry. A big thank you to everyone who reads my blog on a regular basis or who pops in for a look every now and then. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
Emanating from the UK, as I do, and being of a certain vintage a trip to the seaside was never complete without a ride on the dodgem cars, the big dipper, a game of penny push and, especially when younger a ride on the carousel. How times have changed but, Dear Reader, I will spare you my moralising. Continue reading “Carousel and Amusement Park”
The European history of South Australia owes much to mariners who transported people and property there over the years, right through from the first settlers in the 1830s. One often hears about Australia’s convict history and how many of European extraction have convict roots. Unlike New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania in particular, South Australia was not a convict colony. Continue reading “Sea Captains Anchor Memorial”
I really like this impressive granite war memorial, located between the beach and the small town centre (main street), which also serves as a useful timepiece with a clock on each face of the memorial. It doesn’t really matter that the time on each clock differs by a few minutes – you’re here for leisure purposes. From a memorial perspective the clock reminds us that times passes by for all of us. On top of the memorial is a white marble Angel of Peace (the Semaphore Angel) or is it Winged Victory, with wings outspread and symbolical palm in hand? Continue reading “Semaphore – War Memorial”
I have, for a number of years now, attempted to visit Fort Glanville and have yet to get beyond the perimeter fence from where my attached photograph is taken. Readers of my reviews will be aware of my interest in the history of places I visit. Continue reading “Fort Glanville – Hard to get into!”
If you have any interest whatsoever in trains a visit to the National Railway Museum (separate review) in Port Adelaide is an absolute must do. In addition to operating a 457mm gauge railway through the grounds of the museum, the museum also operates this 457mm gauge railway, here in Semaphore. Continue reading “All Aboard……Bill Is Ready To Go..”
Semaphore Jetty was built in 1860 and was originally 652 metres long but is now only 585 metres. That is still a substantial walk out to the end and back in and affords you excellent views along a fantastic white sand beach (pictures below looking north and south) and back to the shore with its low lying dunes and pine trees. Continue reading “Semaphore Jetty and Beach”
One of the more prominent sights in Semaphore is the 30 metre high, 1880, Water Tower situated a couple of hundred metres back from the foreshore – on the highest point in the area. Continue reading “The Water Tower”
The Rambling Wombat 