Cygnet River

SA 5223 • South Australia

72
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
48.57 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalTourist HubPeaceful

About Cygnet River

Cygnet River is a rural locality on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, situated approximately 12 kilometres south-west of Kingscote — the island's main township — and roughly 192 kilometres south-west of Adelaide by air. The locality covers around 48.6 square kilometres of Kangaroo Island's farming hinterland and is administered by the Kangaroo Island Council within the federal division of Mayo. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 72 residents, reflecting the small but settled agricultural community that has shaped this locality since European settlement.

Cygnet River is perhaps best known as home to Kingscote Airport, Kangaroo Island's main air gateway, which sits within the locality and provides regular flights to Adelaide. The area is also celebrated for its growing cellar door and artisan food trail, including The Islander Estate Vineyards — run by internationally acclaimed winemaker Jacques Lurton — along with local wool producers and farm gate experiences. The Cygnet River itself is the longest river on Kangaroo Island, and the Cygnet Estuary Conservation Park protects the surrounding wetlands where koalas can often be spotted in the river red gums along the flats.

Cygnet River falls under postcode 5223 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5223
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.81°, 137.54°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
48.57 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SeaLink Kangaroo Island coach — Kingscote / Penneshaw (ferry terminal) Approx. 15-25 min to Kingscote; 55 min to Penneshaw ferry

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
126 km
By Train
No rail; fly from Kingscote Airport (within locality) to Adelaide Airport (~30 min flight)
By Car (Peak)
Drive to Penneshaw ferry (~55 min), then ferry to Cape Jervis (~45-60 min), then drive to Adelaide (~1.5 hrs); total approx. 3.5-4 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
Similar to peak — ferry timetable is the main constraint

🛣️ Kangaroo Island is accessible by SeaLink ferry (Cape Jervis–Penneshaw) or Rex/Link airlines flights from Kingscote Airport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Cygnet River is a rural locality with no walkable shops or services — a car is needed for all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
72
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 Cygnet River known for? +

Cygnet River is known for being home to Kingscote Airport, Kangaroo Island's main air gateway, as well as award-winning wineries like The Islander Estate Vineyards and a growing cellar door trail. The Cygnet River — the longest river on Kangaroo Island — and the adjacent Cygnet Estuary Conservation Park are also notable features.

How far is Cygnet River from Adelaide? +

Cygnet River is approximately 192 kilometres south-west of Adelaide by air, or around 3.5 to 4 hours by car and ferry via the SeaLink service from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. A 30-minute flight from Kingscote Airport to Adelaide Airport is the fastest option.

Does Cygnet River have public transport? +

Cygnet River has limited public transport. SeaLink coach services connect Kangaroo Island's main towns, and Kingscote Airport (located within the locality) offers regular flights to Adelaide via Rex Airlines and Link Airways. There is no rail service on Kangaroo Island.

What is the population of Cygnet River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cygnet River has a population of 72 residents. The locality is home to Kingscote Airport and a small farming and viticulture community on Kangaroo Island.

Is Cygnet River a good place to live? +

Cygnet River offers a peaceful rural lifestyle on Kangaroo Island with unique attractions including world-class wineries, nature reserves, and a strong agricultural community. It is well-suited to those seeking a quiet island existence, though residents rely on Kingscote for most shopping and services.

What is the postcode for Cygnet River? +

The postcode for Cygnet River, South Australia is 5223.