Enjoy unique living history as members of the Fort Glanville Historical Association Inc. provide uniformed re-enactments of military activities including cannon and carbine firing drills at the former headquarters of South Australia’s first permanent military force. Dating from 1880 it is the most complete and authentic colonial fort in Australia, built to defend the then colony from enemy attack.
The Association was founded in 1981, around a hundred years after the opening of Fort Glanville at Semaphore, to restore, preserve and promote the fort and the significant role it played in Australia’s Colonial history. The fort was intended to guard both the entrance to Port Adelaide and the anchorage at Semaphore and was the home of South Australia’s first permanent military force.
The fort retains its original guns and comprises gun emplacements, magazines, guard room, barracks, gunner’s mess, officer’s quarters, stores and more. A visitor centre was added in 1986.
The Fort Glanville Historical Association is responsible for the promotion and interpretation of the Fort in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, along with contribution to Fort Glanville’s conservation and restoration.
Fort Glanville is open to the public on the third Sunday of each month between September and May, 1-4pm where Association members provide a unique insight into historical Fort operations.
Tours at the Fort and access to the museum are available year-round on Tuesday mornings, 9-11am. Bookings are essential for groups of 10 or more (fghainc@gmail.com or 0403 275 160). Group tours may also be booked outside of these times subject to availability.
For requests about additional public or private functions held at the site, please contact the Department for Environment and Water at https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/licences-and-permits/event-agreements
Fort Glanville is open to the public on the third Sunday of each month between September and May, 1-4pm where Association members provide a unique insight into historical Fort operations.
