Fort Glanville — Attraction in Adelaide

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ A fascinating slice of history, but not without its shadows.

Fort Glanville is one of those places that every South Aussie should visit at least once. Tucked behind the dunes at Semaphore Park, it’s one of the best-preserved colonial-era forts in the country – complete with cannons, drill halls, and reenactments that take you straight back to the late 1800s. The volunteers from the Fort Glanville Historical Association do a cracking job bringing it all to life.

I’ve got my own piece of history here too – back on 13 March 1986, I was serving as a musician in the Royal Australian Navy, and had the honour of playing the euphonium for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the fort and the newly built visitor centre. She spent almost an hour here, and it’s a memory I won’t forget in a hurry. There’s even a plaque at the site that marks the occasion.

That said, it’s important to recognise Fort Glanville for what it is: a symbol of South Australia's colonial past – a time when British imperialism was quite literally fortified with stone, steel, and gunpowder. It was built to “protect” the colony, but like many heritage sites across this country, it tells only part of the story. The Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land, are barely acknowledged here. There’s a missed opportunity to talk honestly about how colonisation displaced First Nations peoples from Yarta – this Country.

If you’re heading down Semaphore way, it’s worth popping in on one of their open days. Just go with your eyes open – and maybe ask a few questions about whose stories are being told… and whose...

Fort Glanville what an incredible experience, the Historic site has been well preserved and maintained, the volunteer garrison and staff are very informative but more than that very good willed and fun people to experience this place with.

There is much history, troop regime, musket firing and plenty of the fort is accessible and interesting to explore.

I personally found this very exciting....did I mention the big cannons!!! they fire throughout the day!?

Head on down they are open every third Sunday a great time for...

This place is Awesome!

Found this place so interesting and learnt so much about Adelaide's history.

This place has been lovingly restored and has an amazing volunteer team looking after both the fort and visitors.

I would highly recommend if you have a thirst for history or want to know more about the land we live then visit Fort Glanville.

I also would like to thank the amazing volunteers and especially John for taking the time to give us a tour around the fort. You're so knowledgeable and an asset to the fort and to...