Clayton Bay

SA 5256 • South Australia

472
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
32.70 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideNature AccessHoliday TownQuiet LifestyleLow Density

About Clayton Bay

Clayton Bay is a small Lower Lakes township in South Australia on Lake Alexandrina near the Murray mouth system. The 2021 population in the dataset is 472, with a low-density profile and strong holiday-home component. The town has a coastal-lake setting and is known for wetlands, boating and birdlife environments. Its character is quiet, nature-focused and tied to the wider Coorong and lower Murray region.

Lifestyle in Clayton Bay centres on boating, fishing, sailing and eco-tourism activities, with many residents and visitors drawn by waterfront access and open landscapes. Essential local facilities exist at town scale, while broader services are generally accessed in Goolwa, Strathalbyn or other regional centres. Public transport is limited, and most movement is by private vehicle. The area appeals to retirees, weekenders and residents seeking a relaxed waterside lifestyle.

Clayton Bay falls under postcode 5256 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hammond electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5256
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.47°, 138.91°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
32.70 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Goolwa Station
31 km
Not walkable
Victor Harbor Station
38 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Regional coach routes — Goolwa and Adelaide (service-dependent) 45-120 min
  • District bus services — Milang / Strathalbyn 30-60 min
  • School/community transport — Lower Lakes townships 20-50 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
87 km
By Bus
1 hr 45 min-2 hr 30 min
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min-2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min-1 hr 40 min

🛣️ No regular commuter rail; travel is mainly via regional roads and coach services where available.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The settlement is small and walkable locally, but most shopping, work and services require driving to nearby towns.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
472
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 Clayton Bay known for? +

Clayton Bay is known for its peaceful lakeside setting on Lake Alexandrina in the Coorong region. The community is popular with anglers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a quiet holiday or retirement lifestyle on the lake.

How far is Clayton Bay from Adelaide? +

Clayton Bay is approximately 75-80 kilometres south of Adelaide, with a drive time of around 75-85 minutes via the South Eastern Freeway and Goolwa Road.

Does Clayton Bay have public transport? +

Clayton Bay has no public transport services. Residents rely on private vehicles, with Goolwa and Strathalbyn providing the nearest towns with essential services.

What is the population of Clayton Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Clayton Bay has a population of approximately 472 residents within the Alexandrina Council local government area.

Is Clayton Bay a good place to live? +

Clayton Bay offers a peaceful lakeside lifestyle for those who value fishing, boating, birdwatching, and a quiet rural-coastal retreat. It is particularly suited to retirees and holiday homeowners seeking a relaxed Murray Lakes lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Clayton Bay? +

The postcode for Clayton Bay is 5256.