Semaphore is steeped in history, a collection of buildings located in the park make up Fort Glanville, built in the 1870's it was intended to deter the Russians from invading (unlikely as this sounds they were deemed a threat) within 10 years it was abandoned when the threat evaporated. Now open to the public on the third Sunday of each month the cannons are fired and re-enactments of military life take place. To add to the nineteenth century feel, at certain times during the year a steam train runs along the foreshore between Fort Glanville and Semaphore.

Semaphore has retained its village feel and you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and pubs all serving tempting dishes, at the weekends there are also a variety of seaside entertainment to which the crowds flock. If you are after a more cultural experience pick up a leaflet from the local tourist centre showing a number of walks around town that take in the historic sites - the original Police Station, the Palais, the Water Tower, and the Bluestone Time Ball Tower.

From Semaphore's Time Ball Tower, the road winds inland to Port Adelaide. Lying at the outlet of the Port River, on Gulf St Vincent the site of Port Adelaide, first sighted by Captain Collett Barker in 1831, was officially proclaimed a harbour on 6 January 1837 when Harbour Master Captain Thomas Lipson took up residence on the shore of the Port Creek. One of the first ships to use the harbour and discharge its migrants was the John Renwick on 23 February 1837.

Although the colony's surveyor, William Light believed it would make a good harbour, he was not prepared to make it the site for the capital for South Australia. Passengers and goods were landed, but not to the satisfaction of anybody and it very soon became known among the locals as Port Misery.

During the early days substantial stone buildings took the place of Aboriginal habitations in the area, thankfully now the town centres streetscapes have been preserved as a designated conservation area. Port Adelaide is home to many excellent museum, some of the best include The South Australian Maritime Museum located in the heart of the heritage area (see attractions). If you would prefer to potter around markets head towards the bright red lighthouse on Sundays and public holidays as you will find quaint little trash and treasure market. However Port Adelaide is not all markets and museums as the port is still very much in full working order.