🔍

Ardrossan

SA 5571 • Rest of SA

1,269
Population (2021)
$25,740
Median Income
24.30 km²
Area
$228/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenPeacefulHistoricAffordable

About Ardrossan

Ardrossan is a small coastal town on the eastern shore of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, situated approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Adelaide within the Yorke Peninsula District Council area. With a population of 1,269, Ardrossan sits at a low elevation of 30 metres above Gulf St Vincent and covers 24.3 square kilometres of coastal terrain. The community has a very high median age of 61 — one of the older demographics on the Yorke Peninsula — reflecting its significant appeal to retirees and long-term residents who have made this coastal town their home.

Ardrossan is known for its dolomite quarry operations and its historic jetty, which extends into the calm waters of Gulf St Vincent and is a popular spot for fishing and photography. The town offers essential services including a supermarket, medical clinic, primary school, and sporting clubs, while Clare and Port Wakefield provide access to further amenities. The town's relaxed coastal lifestyle, safe swimming beaches, caravan park, and community spirit make it a popular holiday destination and retirement haven, with affordable housing and low weekly rents well below the South Australian average.

Ardrossan falls under postcode 5571 and is governed by Yorke Peninsula Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narungga electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5571
Urban Area
Yorke Peninsula
LGA / Council
Yorke Peninsula
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Narungga
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.44°, 137.91°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
24.30 km²
Elevation
30m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Yorke Peninsula Coaches — Adelaide CBD Approx. 2h 30min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
150 km
By Train
No rail service; Yorke Peninsula Coaches operate to Adelaide
By Car (Peak)
1h 45min – 2h via Port Wakefield Road / Augusta Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 40min – 1h 55min

🛣️ A car is essential; Yorke Peninsula Coaches run limited services to Adelaide. Port Wakefield (60 km north) and Kadina (45 km south) provide additional services.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre has basic shops and services within walking distance, but a car is needed for most errands beyond the immediate area.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$228
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
61 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.1%

25 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,167
Census 2021
1,269
▲ 8.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,388
Income 2021
$25,740
▲ 5.5% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,028
Born Overseas 138

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 67
  • 2. Scotland 15
  • 3. Philippines 12
  • 4. New Zealand 8
  • 5. Netherlands 6
  • 6. Vietnam 4
  • 7. Zimbabwe 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 586
English 539
German 128
Scottish 114
Irish 71
Australian Aboriginal 19
Filipino 15
Dutch 11
Italian 10
Welsh 7

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

896
Both parents born in Australia
169
Both parents born overseas
92
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.0%
No Religion
41.4%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
53 (4.2%)
5-14 years
85 (6.7%)
15-19 years
36 (2.8%)
20-24 years
34 (2.7%)
25-34 years
90 (7.1%)
35-44 years
95 (7.5%)
45-54 years
98 (7.7%)
55-64 years
216 (17.0%)
65-74 years
303 (23.9%)
75-84 years
172 (13.6%)
85+ years
79 (6.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ardrossan known for? +

Ardrossan is known for its historic jetty on Gulf St Vincent, its dolomite quarry — one of the few operating in Australia — and its relaxed coastal atmosphere. The town is a popular holiday destination and retirement community on the Yorke Peninsula, offering safe beaches, fishing, and a friendly country-coastal character.

How far is Ardrossan from Adelaide? +

Ardrossan is approximately 150 kilometres north-west of the Adelaide CBD, a drive of around 1h 45min to 2 hours via Port Wakefield Road and the Augusta Highway.

Does Ardrossan have public transport? +

Ardrossan is served by Yorke Peninsula Coaches, which operate limited services to Adelaide. There is no rail service on the Yorke Peninsula; a car is the most practical means of transport for residents.

What is the population of Ardrossan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ardrossan has a population of 1,269 residents, up from 1,167 in 2016. The town has a notably high median age of 61, with a large proportion of retirees and older residents.

Is Ardrossan a good place to live? +

Ardrossan is well-suited to retirees and those seeking an affordable, peaceful coastal lifestyle away from the city. Median rent is just $228 per week, and the town offers basic services, a safe swimming beach, and a strong community spirit, though residents must travel to Kadina or Port Wakefield for a wider range of shops and health services.

What is the postcode for Ardrossan? +

The postcode for Ardrossan is 5571, which covers the town and its immediate surroundings on the eastern Yorke Peninsula.