Semaphore South

SA 5019 • Greater Adelaide

1,031
Population (2021)
$48,360
Median Income
0.62 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideCafé CultureEstablishedMid-Range

About Semaphore South

Semaphore South is a compact coastal suburb in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, located approximately 18 kilometres north-west of the Adelaide CBD along the eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent. Covering just 0.624 square kilometres, it is one of the smaller suburbs in Greater Adelaide by area, with a population of 1,031 residents as of the 2021 Census. The suburb is predominantly residential in character, featuring a mix of older cottages and post-war homes that reflect the area's working-class maritime heritage, with a median household income of around $1,676 per week.

Semaphore South sits immediately south of the popular Semaphore foreshore precinct, giving residents easy access to the beach, Semaphore Esplanade, and the array of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops along Semaphore Road. The nearby Semaphore Park and jetty area offer popular spots for walking, fishing, and relaxing by the water. The suburb is served by bus routes connecting to Adelaide's city centre, and the area has seen growing interest from young professionals and families drawn to its coastal lifestyle, relative affordability compared to other beachside suburbs, and improving café culture.

Semaphore South falls under postcode 5019 and is governed by Port Adelaide Enfield Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lee electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5019
Urban Area
Port Adelaide - Enfield - Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.85°, 138.48°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
0.62 km²
Elevation
11m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

No rail service to suburb
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro Route 153, 254 — Adelaide CBD (King William St) 40-55 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
18 km
By Train
No direct rail; nearest station is Taperoo on the Outer Harbor Line (~2.5 km)
By Car (Peak)
25-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-30 min

🛣️ Port River Expressway and Port Adelaide main road provide arterial access to the city

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The Semaphore foreshore and Semaphore Road shops are an easy walk away, providing good day-to-day walkability for coastal amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.7%

7 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,019
Census 2021
1,031
1.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$40,924
Income 2021
$48,360
18.2% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 790
Born Overseas 203

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 67
  • 2. Scotland 25
  • 3. Ireland 12
  • 4. India 8
  • 5. Germany 7
  • 6. United States 7
  • 7. Greece 6
  • 8. South Africa 6
  • 9. Brazil 4
  • 10. China 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 440
Australian 324
Irish 146
Scottish 144
German 84
Italian 55
Polish 22
Greek 20
Croatian 19
Australian Aboriginal 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

564
Both parents born in Australia
285
Both parents born overseas
145
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.7%
Christianity
44.2%
Buddhism
1.1%
Sikhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
60 (5.8%)
5-14 years
102 (9.9%)
15-19 years
47 (4.6%)
20-24 years
49 (4.8%)
25-34 years
128 (12.4%)
35-44 years
127 (12.3%)
45-54 years
157 (15.2%)
55-64 years
159 (15.4%)
65-74 years
122 (11.8%)
75-84 years
54 (5.2%)
85+ years
31 (3.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Semaphore South known for? +

Semaphore South is known for its proximity to the Semaphore foreshore — a popular Adelaide beachside precinct featuring a historic jetty, beachfront esplanade, cafes, and restaurants along Semaphore Road. The suburb enjoys a relaxed coastal lifestyle close to Gulf St Vincent.

How far is Semaphore South from Adelaide CBD? +

Semaphore South is approximately 18 kilometres north-west of the Adelaide CBD, typically a 25–40 minute drive depending on traffic, or accessible by bus with a travel time of around 40–55 minutes.

Does Semaphore South have public transport? +

Semaphore South is served by Adelaide Metro bus routes connecting to the CBD and Port Adelaide. The nearest train station on the Outer Harbor Line (Taperoo) is approximately 2.5 kilometres to the north.

What is the population of Semaphore South? +

According to the 2021 Census, Semaphore South has a population of 1,031, a small increase from 1,019 in 2016. The suburb has a median age of 44 and a mix of established families and long-term residents.

Is Semaphore South a good place to live? +

Semaphore South offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle within reach of Adelaide, appealing to families, retirees, and professionals who want beach access without inner-city prices. The proximity to Semaphore Road's dining and foreshore amenities adds significant lifestyle appeal.

What is the postcode for Semaphore South? +

Semaphore South's postcode is 5019.