🔍

Goolwa South

SA 5214 • Rest of SA

1,041
Population (2021)
$28,912
Median Income
11.56 km²
Area
$280/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenBeachsidePeacefulRural

About Goolwa South

Goolwa South is a coastal locality on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, situated approximately 67 kilometres south of Adelaide within the Alexandrina Council area. With a population of 1,041 and a notably high median age of 62, it is predominantly a sea-change and retiree community. The suburb covers around 11.5 square kilometres at near sea level, fronting Encounter Bay and bordering the wider Goolwa coastal precinct that was first established in 1925.

Goolwa South offers a relaxed seaside lifestyle with access to the beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the historic Murray mouth, and the protected waterways of the Coorong. The nearby Goolwa township provides essential shopping, cafes, and community services, while the area is popular for boating, fishing, and birdwatching along the coastal reserves. Public transport is limited and a car is essential, but affordable housing, a mild coastal climate, and the peaceful environment make Goolwa South a popular destination for retirees and those seeking a quieter way of life.

Goolwa South 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
-35.53°, 138.83°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
11.56 km²
Elevation
1m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • FlexiRide / regional coach — Goolwa township and surrounds Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
67 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Noarlunga Centre for rail, or take regional coach
By Car (Peak)
60-80 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-70 min

🛣️ South Road and Victor Harbor Road are the main routes north. Many residents are retirees not commuting to Adelaide.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Goolwa South has limited local amenities and essentially requires a car for all daily errands, with services centred in Goolwa township nearby.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,134
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
62 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.6%

5 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
971
Census 2021
1,041
▲ 7.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,064
Income 2021
$28,912
▲ 15.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 802
Born Overseas 189

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 106
  • 2. New Zealand 14
  • 3. Netherlands 10
  • 4. Germany 8
  • 5. United States 7
  • 6. Wales 7
  • 7. Scotland 5
  • 8. Croatia 4
  • 9. India 4
  • 10. Ireland 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 545
Australian 381
Scottish 132
Irish 107
German 84
Australian Aboriginal 21
Dutch 19
Italian 17
Welsh 14
French 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

632
Both parents born in Australia
231
Both parents born overseas
128
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.0%
Christianity
40.2%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
29 (2.8%)
5-14 years
49 (4.7%)
15-19 years
39 (3.7%)
20-24 years
40 (3.8%)
25-34 years
78 (7.5%)
35-44 years
82 (7.9%)
45-54 years
109 (10.5%)
55-64 years
163 (15.7%)
65-74 years
243 (23.3%)
75-84 years
160 (15.4%)
85+ years
56 (5.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goolwa South known for? +

Goolwa South is known for its coastal setting on Encounter Bay near the mouth of the Murray River. The area is popular for beach access, boating, and its proximity to the Coorong National Park and the historic town of Goolwa.

How far is Goolwa South from Adelaide? +

Goolwa South is approximately 67 kilometres south of Adelaide CBD, typically a 60–80 minute drive via the South Road and Victor Harbor Road depending on traffic.

Does Goolwa South have public transport? +

Public transport in Goolwa South is very limited. There is no passenger rail service, and regional bus and FlexiRide services provide limited connections to Goolwa and Adelaide. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Goolwa South? +

According to the 2021 Census, Goolwa South has a population of 1,041. The median age of 62 reflects the suburb's strong appeal to retirees and sea-changers.

Is Goolwa South a good place to live? +

Goolwa South is well-suited to retirees and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle. Its beach access, natural surroundings, and relatively affordable housing are major drawcards, though limited public transport and distance from Adelaide make car ownership a necessity.

What is the postcode for Goolwa South? +

The postcode for Goolwa South, South Australia, is 5214, shared with nearby Goolwa, Goolwa Beach, and surrounding localities.