Explore an important piece of WWII history in Glenelg – an Air Raid Shelter.
Built in 1942, the Glenelg Air Raid Shelter was a valuable part of a World War II communications network. Air Raid Shelters were generally built to protect large numbers of people from air raids, but in Adelaide they were civil defence communications centres and a base for local Air Raid Wardens.
The Glenelg Air Raid Shelter was restored in 1995 as part of the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII. The shelter is around the size of a small two bedroom house comprising of five main rooms, a 30cm heavily reinforced concrete roof and two entrances/exits.
It now houses exhibitions and memorabilia which tell the stories of Holdfast Bay and its residents during the various wars, including WWII.
The air raid shelter in Glenelg is one of only four left in the Adelaide area, with the remaining three at Willcox Avenue in Prospect, South Road in Torrensville and Oxford Terrace in Unley.
The Glenelg Air Raid Shelter is open to the public on the third Sunday of each month as well as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Group tours are available upon request.
Open Hours
- Third Sunday of each month | 1pm – 3pm
- ANZAC Day | 11am – 1pm
- Sunday 19 May 2024 as part of South Australia’s History Festival
- Remembrance Day | 11am – 1pm
- Closed June, July, August & December
Staffed by volunteers, the shelter is located on Rugless Terrace, Glenelg (next to the Glenelg Football Oval) with entry by gold coin donation.
Please note access to the shelter is via a steep flight of stairs.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Holdfast Bay website.
What: Glenelg Air Raid Shelter Open Days
When: See dates above
Where: Rugless Terrace, Glenelg (next to the Glenelg Football Oval)
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: City of Holdfast Bay
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