Port Adelaide Lighthouse
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The Port Adelaide Lighthouse, first lit in 1869 near the mouth of the Port River, has become an iconic symbol of South Australia’s maritime history. However, from the perspective of the Kaurna people—the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains—this structure - reflects a more complex story of cultural disruption and resilience. Before British colonisation, the area around the Port River, known to the Kaurna as Yertabulti (meaning “land of sleep or death”), was a place of abundance and deep spiritual significance. The estuarine environment provided a rich source of food, including fish, shellfish, and waterbirds, which the Kaurna people sustainably harvested. Local reeds and rushes were used to weave fishing nets and carry baskets - tools that were integral to daily life. The construction of the lighthouse, alongside the broader development of Port Adelaide as a shipping hub, dramatically altered this landscape. The clearing of mangroves and modification of the river’s natural flow disrupted the ecosystems the Kaurna had cared for over thousands of years. These changes signified not only environmental degradation but also the introduction of foreign systems and structures onto Kaurna Country, contributing to the ongoing displacement and marginalisation of Kaurna communities. Historical records show that Kaurna leaders such as Ityamai-itpina (also known as “King Rodney”), his wife Tangkaira, and their daughter Ivaritji—believed to be the last fluent speaker of the Kaurna language before its revival—lived and camped in the very area where the lighthouse now stands. Their presence is a poignant reminder of the deep and continuous connection the Kaurna have to this land. Today, renewed efforts are being made to recognise and preserve Kaurna heritage. Projects like Kaurna Voices and local reconciliation initiatives aim to share Kaurna stories and promote cultural understanding across the Adelaide region. These efforts are critical in ensuring that the voices of First Nations people are heard and respected. While the Port Adelaide Lighthouse remains a striking emblem of South Australia’s maritime past, it also stands on Kaurna land. It represents not only the challenges of colonisation but also the strength, endurance, and continuing cultural legacy of the Kaurna people.
Goose
00
An Important Icon of Adelaide. It was built in 1896 and was moved to several locations, until back to it's current location in 1986. The location is easy to access, with two options of public transportation: bus 118 from the city and Train (OUTHA) from Adelaide Railway Station. The surroundings is also well preserved 19th century's victorian style shophouses. Don't forger to take a Dolphin ferry tour, the counter is just beside this lighthouse. Every Sunday, there is also a Sunday Market at Fisherman's wharf to the west of this lighthouse.
Naufal Fadhil
00
Port Adelaide Lighthouse is beautiful, and the surrounding area is amazing too. Port River from one side is very deep but from the opposite side you can play in the water. The in water their are thirty dolphins living here and you cam witness them playing around the boats and cruise. We have a good time and a long walk around the river and Lighthouse.
beautiful “Coco Moo” Victoria
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Made the trip up to Port Adelaide and couldn’t believe how quiet it was because there was so much to see and do around the lighthouse and not to forget eat as well. Just wish that I got to spend more time here next time and see how the lighthouse looks at night.
Jordan Parnham
00
A lovely spot to visit at Port Adelaide. Climb the steep old spiral staircase and enjoy the great view. Take a moment to read the history and look at the historic lamp. This is a cheap enjoyable part of an outing at the Port. Well worth it.
Steven Penley
00
Any visitor’s must go place in Adelaide is Port Adelaide. You can take a river cruise to watch dolphins. If you are lucky, then the dolphins will swim alongside the cruise. The light house is the icon of Port Adelaide.
Hossain Siddiqui
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Nearby Attractions Of Port Adelaide Lighthouse
National Railway Museum
South Australian Aviation Museum
South Australian Maritime Museum
Adelaide Milling Company Mill
Clipper Ship City of Adelaide
Vasili's Taverna
The Port Adelaide Emporium
One and All Sailing Ship
The Mad Barber SA
The Confessional

National Railway Museum
4.7
(699)
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South Australian Aviation Museum
4.7
(577)
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South Australian Maritime Museum
4.6
(394)
Click for details

Adelaide Milling Company Mill
4.4
(245)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Port Adelaide Lighthouse
The Birkenhead Tavern
Low & Slow American BBQ
The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel
Port Admiral Hotel
The Banksia Tree Cafe and Restaurant
Pirate Life Brewing
Pancakes At The Port
The British Hotel Port Adelaide
McDonald's Port Adelaide
KFC Port Adelaide

The Birkenhead Tavern
4.4
(1.3K)
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Low & Slow American BBQ
4.7
(785)
Click for details

The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel
4.4
(731)
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Port Admiral Hotel
4.3
(570)
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Basic Info
Address
Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
Map
Phone
+61 8 8151 3260
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Website
maritime.history.sa.gov.au
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(139 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Port Adelaide Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the North Parade of Port Adelaide. It was first lit in 1869 at the entrance to the Port River near Outer Harbor. In 1901, it was moved to the Neptune Islands and relocated to the current location in 1986.
attractions: National Railway Museum, South Australian Aviation Museum, South Australian Maritime Museum, Adelaide Milling Company Mill, Clipper Ship City of Adelaide, Vasili's Taverna, The Port Adelaide Emporium, One and All Sailing Ship, The Mad Barber SA, The Confessional, restaurants: The Birkenhead Tavern, Low & Slow American BBQ, The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel, Port Admiral Hotel, The Banksia Tree Cafe and Restaurant, Pirate Life Brewing, Pancakes At The Port, The British Hotel Port Adelaide, McDonald's Port Adelaide, KFC Port Adelaide

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