🔍

Goolwa North

SA 5214 • Rest of SA

1,307
Population (2021)
$27,040
Median Income
7.90 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenRiversideAffordableQuiet

About Goolwa North

Goolwa North is a residential suburb on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately 80 kilometres south of Adelaide in the Alexandrina District Council area. With a population of 1,307 and a median age of 66, the suburb has one of the oldest demographic profiles in the region, reflecting its strong appeal as a retirement and sea change destination. The area sits near the mouth of the Murray River and Lake Alexandrina, offering a low-elevation, coastal-adjacent environment with affordable housing and a relaxed pace of life.

Goolwa North sits adjacent to the historic town of Goolwa, which offers supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, medical facilities, and the Goolwa Wharf precinct celebrating the town's riverboat heritage. The nearby Goolwa Beach, the Coorong National Park, and the Murray Mouth provide outstanding natural attractions for walking, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The suburb is a popular destination for retirees and those seeking an affordable coastal lifestyle, with a welcoming community and a wealth of outdoor activities on the doorstep.

Goolwa North falls under postcode 5214 and is governed by Alexandrina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Finniss electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5214
Urban Area
Fleurieu - Kangaroo Island
LGA / Council
Alexandrina
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Finniss
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.48°, 138.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
7.90 km²
Elevation
10m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Link SA regional bus — Adelaide CBD Approx. 1 hr 30 min - 1 hr 45 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
No direct train service; regional bus available
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 10 min - 1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr - 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Primary access via South Coast Road and Victor Harbor Road. Car strongly recommended.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Some amenities in the adjacent Goolwa town centre are accessible on foot or by bike, but a car is needed for most shopping and travel outside the immediate area.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,246
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
66 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.7%

4 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,016
Census 2021
1,307
▲ 28.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,388
Income 2021
$27,040
▲ 10.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 966
Born Overseas 277

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 168
  • 2. Germany 18
  • 3. Netherlands 16
  • 4. New Zealand 16
  • 5. Scotland 16
  • 6. South Africa 6
  • 7. United States 5
  • 8. Malaysia 4
  • 9. Singapore 4
  • 10. India 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 679
Australian 478
Scottish 158
German 112
Irish 104
Dutch 40
Italian 30
Australian Aboriginal 18
Greek 11
French 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

822
Both parents born in Australia
324
Both parents born overseas
108
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.7%
Christianity
46.0%
Buddhism
0.9%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
30 (2.3%)
5-14 years
88 (6.7%)
15-19 years
45 (3.4%)
20-24 years
10 (0.8%)
25-34 years
64 (4.9%)
35-44 years
80 (6.1%)
45-54 years
95 (7.3%)
55-64 years
177 (13.5%)
65-74 years
425 (32.5%)
75-84 years
250 (19.1%)
85+ years
30 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goolwa North known for? +

Goolwa North is known for its proximity to Goolwa's historic Murray River port, Goolwa Beach, and the entrance to the Coorong National Park. The broader Goolwa area celebrates its paddle steamer heritage and is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and nature-based tourism.

How far is Goolwa North from Adelaide? +

Goolwa North is approximately 80 kilometres south of Adelaide CBD, roughly a 1 to 1.5 hour drive via Victor Harbor Road.

Does Goolwa North have public transport? +

Goolwa North is served by Link SA regional bus services to Adelaide, but there is no passenger rail service to the area. A car is the most practical way to travel locally and to Adelaide.

What is the population of Goolwa North? +

According to the 2021 Census, Goolwa North has a population of 1,307 residents, with a median age of 66 — reflecting the suburb's strong appeal as a retirement and sea change destination.

Is Goolwa North a good place to live? +

Goolwa North is ideal for retirees and sea-changers seeking an affordable, peaceful coastal lifestyle within reasonable reach of Adelaide. The area offers beautiful natural surroundings, a friendly community, and all essential services nearby in Goolwa township, making it one of the more appealing retirement options on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

What is the postcode for Goolwa North? +

The postcode for Goolwa North, South Australia is 5214.