The Semaphore Rail Trail starts at the intersection of Semaphore Rd and Panama Dr, west of Nelson St and the Birkenhead Bridge, a bascule bridge over the Port River with two lifting spans. It finishes at Semaphore Park, just south of Fort Glanville.

New Port to Semaphore Jetty (1.5 km)

• The New Port area is undergoing major redevelopment along Semaphore Drive, so there is limited parking. You can catch the Outer Harbor train to Glanville Station, ride out on the Outer Harbor Greenway or take your chances parking in the area around Panama Dr.
• From Panama Dr, head west on the shared path on the southern side of Semaphore Rd. Watch for Outer Harbor Greenway rail trail users, approaching along Panama Dr from the east.
• Pass the New Port residential developments on the left, with views over the old docks, as the Outer Harbor trail users turn right up Mead St.
• Cross the Outer Harbor Line near Glanville Station, which was a stop on the Semaphore Railway, and then cross Causeway Rd at the lights.
• From Causeway Rd there is a choice of on-road bicycle lanes or a marked bike lane on the wide footpath.
• The next Semaphore Line station, Exeter, was on the other side of Semaphore Rd, near its junction with Woolnough St, and the train ran up the wide median
• After crossing Military Rd, the footpath bicycle lane goes onto the road for the last block to the beach.
• At the point where the road descends toward Esplanade, the raised Semaphore Station stood on what is now the median strip. Cross the Esplanade at the lights and either continue straight ahead to walk the jetty or turn left to get to Semaphore Park.

Semaphore Jetty return (1 km)

• The jetty originally had a railway line on it to transport goods to and from berthed ships. Bicycles are not permitted but it is a very pleasant walk.

Semaphore Jetty to Semaphore Park (1.7 km)

• Just south of the jetty is the Semaphore & Fort Glanville Railway tourist steam train terminus and turntable, a café and large playground.
• The sealed railside trail goes south through landscaped parks, following the narrow-gauge railway line. South of Bower Rd, the trail is immediately adjacent to the railway line through sandhills.
• Access to historic Fort Glanville is from Military Rd, near the intersection with Bower Rd, which is worth a look even if it’s not an open day.
• The railside trail section finishes at the Glanville tourist railway station, although the Coast Park Path continues south to Grange.
• Just after the station is Semaphore Park, a large open space with picnic facilities, toilets and playground.

CONNECTING PATHS

• The Outer Harbor Greenway (23 km): Comes up Semaphore Rd, crosses near Glanville Station and continues north to Outer Harbor. It also heads south over the Birkenhead Bridge (Nelson St) and through Port Dock to the CBD.
• The Coast Park Path (34 km): Follows the shore from Outer Harbor to Marino, with a 2 km gap to be filled between Semaphore Park and Grange. This requires a detour onto Military Rd, but the rest is a great scenic ride and ideal for children and novice riders.
• Inner Harbour/Anna Rennie Loop Path (3.5 km): Turns off Semaphore Rd just before the Semaphore Rail Trail. It circles the New Port precinct and there are many interactive maps that allow visitors to superimpose historical photographs from a century ago over today’s view of the same areas. Hart’s Mill Playground is a convenient place to rest while the kids burn-off some energy.