Emu Bay

SA 5223 • South Australia

95
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
7.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralQuietPeaceful

About Emu Bay

Emu Bay is a small coastal locality on the north shore of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, situated approximately 13 kilometres west of Kingscote — the island's main town and municipal seat. The locality falls within the Kangaroo Island Council local government area and shares postcode 5223 with other island communities. With a population of just 95 residents according to the 2021 Census, Emu Bay supports a mix of permanent households and holiday homes, reflecting its appeal as a peaceful seaside retreat. The area covers a compact 7.7 square kilometres of coastal land.

Emu Bay is well known as one of Kangaroo Island's most popular swimming beaches, and is one of the few beaches on the island where vehicles are permitted to drive on the sand. A historic timber jetty, originally constructed in 1918, still stands as a focal point of the bay and is popular with anglers. The calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for families during summer, and the surrounding bushland provides a natural backdrop characteristic of Kangaroo Island's protected landscapes. Most daily services are accessed in Kingscote, where shops, a hospital, schools, and fuel are available.

Emu Bay 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
7.72 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SeaLink/Peninsula Coaches island shuttle — Kingscote / Penneshaw Ferry Terminal Approx 15 min to Kingscote

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
124 km
By Train
No direct train service. Island accessible via SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis (2.5 hrs), then road to Adelaide.
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs including ferry crossing
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5-3 hrs including ferry crossing

🛣️ Cape Jervis is ~90 min drive from Adelaide CBD. SeaLink ferry runs multiple times daily. Regional air services operate from Kingscote Airport to Adelaide.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Emu Bay is a remote coastal locality with no shops or services; a car is essential for all errands, with Kingscote being the nearest service centre.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
95
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 Emu Bay known for? +

Emu Bay is known for its popular swimming beach, which is one of the few on Kangaroo Island where vehicles are permitted on the sand. Its historic timber jetty, originally built in 1918, is a local landmark popular with fishing enthusiasts.

How far is Emu Bay from Adelaide? +

Emu Bay is approximately 124 kilometres south-west of Adelaide, though travel involves a drive to Cape Jervis (about 90 minutes from Adelaide) and then the SeaLink ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island, making the total journey around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Does Emu Bay have public transport? +

Kangaroo Island has no public rail or light rail service. Limited island shuttle bus services operate between Penneshaw, American River, and Kingscote, primarily connecting with ferry arrivals. A private vehicle is the most practical way to get around Emu Bay.

What is the population of Emu Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Emu Bay has a population of 95 residents. The locality supports a mix of permanent homes and holiday properties, so the actual number of people present fluctuates considerably with the seasons.

Is Emu Bay a good place to live? +

Emu Bay suits those seeking a quiet, coastal lifestyle on Kangaroo Island, with a beautiful beach on the doorstep and the services of Kingscote just 13 kilometres away. It is particularly appealing as a holiday home destination, though the remoteness and reliance on the ferry means it is best suited to those comfortable with island living.

What is the postcode for Emu Bay? +

The postcode for Emu Bay is 5223, shared with other localities on Kangaroo Island including Vivonne Bay.