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The Semaphore Tourist Train

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The Semaphore Tourist Train

The tourist train in Semaphore is a great two kilometre ride along the coastline from Semaphore Jetty to Fort Glanville and return. The train is run by the National Railway Museum .

The train operates on School Holidays, weekends and public holidays. The train departs between 12pm noon and 4pm at various times depending on demand.

History of Rail in Semaphore

A railway line was first made from the city of Adelaide to Port Adelaide in 1856. Port Adelaide was the heart of the state because imports came through there and goods were also exported. The original Adelade line ran to the Port Dock Station which is now the National Railway Museum . In 1878 the railway lines were extended to Semaphore which had become an important port for ships. The iron Jervois Bridge that swung open so ships could pass through was constructed at this time to increase rail traffic to Semaphore. The bridge also had a water pipe that supplied Semaphore but when it was open the water was shut off. A water tower was built in Semaphore as a mini reservoir for when the bridge was open.

The last train went down Semaphore Road in 1978 and the last tram was in 1935.

Even though we don't have steam trains in Semaphore any more, people can ride the tourist train as a reminder of the old steam trains and a connection to our past.

Patrick and Louie