Caltowie

SA 5490 • South Australia

122
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
111.42 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricQuiet

About Caltowie

Caltowie is a small town in the Mid North region of South Australia, situated within the Northern Areas Council local government area approximately 225 kilometres north of Adelaide. The town sits on the Wilkins Highway between the towns of Jamestown and Gladstone, with the historic Crystal Brook–Broken Hill railway line passing through. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 122 residents, reflecting the town's quiet, agricultural character.

The surrounding district is characterised by broadacre farming — predominantly wheat, barley, and sheep grazing — typical of South Australia's productive Mid North. Services within Caltowie itself are minimal, with residents travelling to nearby Jamestown or Laura for daily needs such as shopping and medical care. The town's historic grain infrastructure and railway heritage reflect its origins as an agricultural service point established in the 19th century.

Caltowie falls under postcode 5490 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5490
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.17°, 138.48°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
111.42 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Very limited services — Jamestown / Adelaide Jamestown approx. 15 min; Adelaide approx. 2.5 hr

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
225 km
By Train
No passenger train service from Caltowie
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 2.5–3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 2.5 hr

🛣️ Jamestown is the nearest service town, about 15–20 min east via the Wilkins Highway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for almost all daily needs; local services within Caltowie are very limited

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
122
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 Caltowie known for? +

Caltowie is known for its agricultural heritage in South Australia's Mid North, sitting along the historic Crystal Brook–Broken Hill railway line. The town's history as a grain and wool service centre dates back to the 19th century, when it was first settled by European farmers.

How far is Caltowie from Adelaide? +

Caltowie is approximately 225 kilometres north of Adelaide, roughly a 2.5 hour drive via the Main North Road and Wilkins Highway.

Does Caltowie have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service from Caltowie. Bus services to the area are very limited, and a private vehicle is effectively essential for all travel.

What is the population of Caltowie? +

The 2021 Census recorded 122 residents in Caltowie, spread across an area of around 111 square kilometres in the Mid North of South Australia.

Is Caltowie a good place to live? +

Caltowie suits those who value a peaceful, rural lifestyle in a tight-knit farming community. The nearby towns of Jamestown and Laura provide essential services, and the region's agricultural landscapes offer a quiet, unhurried way of life.

What is the postcode for Caltowie? +

The postcode for Caltowie, South Australia is 5490.