🔍

Birdwood

SA 5234 • Greater Adelaide

1,376
Population (2021)
$40,352
Median Income
43.65 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricHeritageFamily-FriendlySemi-Rural

About Birdwood

Birdwood is a historic rural township in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 44 kilometres east of Adelaide's city centre within the Adelaide Hills Council area. Set at an elevation of around 405 metres in a valley beside the Torrens River, Birdwood covers 43.6 square kilometres and has a population of 1,376. With a median age of 43 and a median household income of $1,754 per week, the town attracts established families and semi-retired residents who value the relaxed pace of Hills living, the scenic landscape, and the area's rich cultural heritage.

Birdwood is best known for the National Motor Museum, one of Australia's premier collections of historic vehicles, housed in the restored 1852 Blumberg Flour Mill — a reminder of the town's Prussian heritage (it was renamed from Blumberg in 1917 during World War I). The town centre offers local shops, cafes, and community events, while the surrounding Adelaide Hills countryside provides scenic drives, vineyards, and access to the broader Barossa Valley and Mount Lofty Ranges. Public transport is very limited and a private vehicle is essential; however, Birdwood's charm, strong community bonds, and popularity as a weekend destination for Adelaide visitors make it a fulfilling place to call home.

Birdwood falls under postcode 5234 and is governed by Adelaide Hills Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Schubert electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5234
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Adelaide Hills
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Schubert
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.82°, 138.98°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
43.65 km²
Elevation
405m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Very limited regional services — Adelaide (CBD) 60-75 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
44 km
By Train
No rail service; drive to Adelaide required
By Car (Peak)
50-65 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-50 min

🛣️ Access via the Mount Barker Road (B31) through the Hills; a car is essential for daily living in Birdwood

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre has some walkable amenities, but a car is needed for most shopping, work, and services outside the immediate village

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,602
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
43 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,298
Census 2021
1,376
▲ 6.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,280
Income 2021
$40,352
▲ 21.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,118
Born Overseas 183

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 121
  • 2. New Zealand 13
  • 3. Ireland 10
  • 4. South Africa 7
  • 5. Germany 6
  • 6. Philippines 4
  • 7. United States 4
  • 8. France 3
  • 9. India 3
  • 10. Wales 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 721
Australian 542
German 160
Irish 118
Scottish 116
Italian 46
Dutch 18
Welsh 18
Polish 13
Australian Aboriginal 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

866
Both parents born in Australia
275
Both parents born overseas
160
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
56.1%
Christianity
35.4%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (5.0%)
5-14 years
200 (14.5%)
15-19 years
69 (5.0%)
20-24 years
95 (6.9%)
25-34 years
134 (9.7%)
35-44 years
144 (10.5%)
45-54 years
205 (14.9%)
55-64 years
225 (16.4%)
65-74 years
147 (10.7%)
75-84 years
69 (5.0%)
85+ years
14 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Birdwood known for? +

Birdwood is best known for the National Motor Museum, one of Australia's finest collections of vintage and historic vehicles, housed in the original 1852 Blumberg Flour Mill. The town also has a rich German-heritage history — originally named Blumberg by Prussian settlers — and is a popular day-trip destination from Adelaide for its scenic Hills setting and community events.

How far is Birdwood from Adelaide? +

Birdwood is approximately 44 kilometres east of the Adelaide city centre, a drive of around 40–65 minutes depending on traffic and the route taken through the Adelaide Hills.

Does Birdwood have public transport? +

Public transport in Birdwood is very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Adelaide are infrequent. A private vehicle is essential for residents commuting to work or accessing city services.

What is the population of Birdwood? +

According to the 2021 Census, Birdwood has a population of 1,376 residents. The suburb has a median age of 43, with a strong representation of established families and older residents drawn to the quiet Hills lifestyle.

Is Birdwood a good place to live? +

Birdwood suits those who value a peaceful, scenic rural lifestyle with genuine small-town community spirit, and who don't mind the 45-60 minute commute to Adelaide. The National Motor Museum, surrounding Hills landscapes, and proximity to wineries and walking trails make it a rewarding place to live for those who embrace country living.

What is the postcode for Birdwood? +

The postcode for Birdwood, South Australia is 5234.