Bowhill

SA 5238 • South Australia

127
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
261.58 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideRemoteAgricultural

About Bowhill

Bowhill is a rural locality in South Australia's Murray and Mallee region, situated on the eastern bank of the Murray River between Mannum and Swan Reach, approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Adelaide. The locality spans an expansive 261 square kilometres across the Mid Murray Council and District Council of Karoonda East Murray areas, with a small riverside settlement of 127 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. The median household income reflects the modest economic profile typical of rural Murray River communities, with much of the area supporting cereal grain and sheep farming.

The riverside settlement at Bowhill is predominantly made up of shacks and holiday retreats facing the Murray River, attracting visitors and seasonal occupants drawn to the region's fishing, boating, and riverside recreation. The Lowan Conservation Park is located within the broader locality, adding ecological and natural heritage value to the area. Access across the Murray River is via the Purnong ferry approximately 11 kilometres upstream, or the Mannum ferry some 30 kilometres downstream, making a car essential for day-to-day life in this quiet, far-flung corner of the Murray Mallee.

Bowhill falls under postcode 5238 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hammond electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5238
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.87°, 139.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
261.58 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Adelaide (via private vehicle or local transport) Approx. 2 hrs by car

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway or Murray Valley Highway; river crossings by ferry

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

There are no local shops or services within walking distance; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
127
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bowhill known for? +

Bowhill is known for its peaceful Murray River setting, with a small community of riverside shacks popular for fishing and boating holidays, as well as broad expanses of cereal grain and sheep farming land in the surrounding district.

How far is Bowhill from Adelaide? +

Bowhill is approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Adelaide CBD, making it roughly a 90-minute to 2-hour drive depending on route and traffic.

Does Bowhill have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport servicing Bowhill. A private vehicle is essential, with river crossings available via the Purnong ferry (11 km upstream) or the Mannum ferry (30 km downstream).

What is the population of Bowhill? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 127 for Bowhill, making it a very small and sparsely populated rural locality spread across approximately 261 square kilometres.

Is Bowhill a good place to live? +

Bowhill suits those seeking a quiet, remote rural lifestyle along the Murray River, particularly for retirees or hobby farmers who value wide open spaces and natural surroundings over urban conveniences.

What is the postcode for Bowhill? +

The postcode for Bowhill is 5238.