🔍

Echunga

SA 5153 • Greater Adelaide

1,219
Population (2021)
$46,124
Median Income
28.59 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
Adelaide HillsSemi-RuralFamily-FriendlyLeafyEstablished

About Echunga

Echunga is a small Adelaide Hills township in the Mount Barker District Council area, situated approximately 35 kilometres south-east of Adelaide CBD at an elevation of 402 metres. With a population of 1,219 in the 2021 Census — up from 1,109 in 2016 — the suburb is part of the broader Mount Barker urban area and sits within the Greater Adelaide statistical region. The community has a predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage with a notable German ancestral influence reflecting the historic Lutheran settlement patterns of the Adelaide Hills, and a median age of 41.

Echunga offers a lifestyle centred on the natural beauty of the Adelaide Hills, with residents enjoying access to surrounding wine regions, bushwalking trails and the cooler hill climate. Day-to-day services are accessed in nearby Mount Barker — the main regional centre with supermarkets, schools and medical facilities — approximately 10 kilometres to the north-east. Public transport is limited, making a car essential, though the suburb is well placed for those commuting to Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. The area appeals to families and lifestyle seekers who value a semi-rural setting within reasonable reach of the city.

Echunga falls under postcode 5153 and is governed by Mount Barker Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5153
Urban Area
Mount Barker
LGA / Council
Mount Barker
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Heysen
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.10°, 138.80°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
28.59 km²
Elevation
402m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro Route 840 / 842 (via Mount Barker) — Mount Barker / Adelaide CBD 45-60 min to Adelaide

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
35 km
By Train
No direct rail; bus to Mount Barker Interchange then express bus to city, or drive
By Car (Peak)
40-55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
30-40 min

🛣️ South Eastern Freeway (M1) provides direct Adelaide access; car strongly recommended

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small township with minimal local retail; residents drive to Mount Barker for most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,761
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.9%

4 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,109
Census 2021
1,219
▲ 9.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$38,688
Income 2021
$46,124
▲ 19.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,020
Born Overseas 129

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 62
  • 2. Ireland 9
  • 3. New Zealand 8
  • 4. China 6
  • 5. Canada 5
  • 6. Germany 4
  • 7. Mauritius 4
  • 8. Italy 3
  • 9. Netherlands 3
  • 10. Philippines 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 564
Australian 496
German 175
Scottish 142
Irish 128
Italian 39
Dutch 13
Welsh 13
Polish 11
French 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

831
Both parents born in Australia
175
Both parents born overseas
140
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.7%
Christianity
39.3%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
86 (7.1%)
5-14 years
135 (11.1%)
15-19 years
79 (6.5%)
20-24 years
66 (5.4%)
25-34 years
126 (10.3%)
35-44 years
169 (13.9%)
45-54 years
186 (15.3%)
55-64 years
171 (14.0%)
65-74 years
146 (12.0%)
75-84 years
46 (3.8%)
85+ years
13 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Echunga known for? +

Echunga is known for its quiet Adelaide Hills setting, historic township character and proximity to the Mount Barker wine and food region. The area has a notable German heritage from early Lutheran settlers who shaped many Hills townships.

How far is Echunga from Adelaide CBD? +

Echunga is approximately 35 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD, typically a 30–55 minute drive via the South Eastern Freeway (M1) depending on traffic conditions.

Does Echunga have public transport? +

Public transport is limited in Echunga. Adelaide Metro bus services connect through Mount Barker to the Adelaide CBD, but a private vehicle is strongly recommended as services are infrequent and the township has no rail access.

What is the population of Echunga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Echunga has a population of 1,219 residents, showing modest growth from 1,109 in 2016 as families and lifestyle seekers continue to be drawn to the Adelaide Hills region.

Is Echunga a good place to live? +

Echunga is well-suited to families and those seeking a relaxed semi-rural lifestyle in the Adelaide Hills, with access to good schools in Mount Barker, natural surroundings and the renowned Hills wine region — all within commuting distance of Adelaide.

What is the postcode for Echunga? +

The postcode for Echunga, SA is 5153.