Now and Then - the Semaphore Palais: Ron reviews the passing of time at Semaphore in the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia

The Palais one of Adelaide's popular beachside venues. Located right on the beach at historic Semaphore, you can enjoy a meal, sip a wine and from Wednesday through to Sunday enjoy live music and contemplate the sunset over Gulf Saint Vincent.

It was built as a bathing pavilion, cafe and hall. And it's reported that up to two thirds of Adelaide's population attended the official opening in 1922, such was the popularity of Semaphore as a seaside resort.

In 1940 it was leased by a man named Leonard Northey, who renamed it the Maris Palais. Mr Northey painted it white with green trim but was told to change the colour to khaki during World War Two because of fears of a Japanese invasion.

For decades the Palais was a popular destination for city and country folk alike especially the ballroom where the big bands used to play. But sadly by the late sixties it had lost its former glory. For many years it was derelict and in 1994 the Palais was gutted by fire.

But in recent years it's undergone a renaissance and the bistro, bars and outside decking have again made it one of the places to be at historic Semaphore.

Published 29th April 2007