Iron Knob
SA 5601 • South Australia
About Iron Knob
Iron Knob is a small mining town on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, located 375 kilometres northwest of Adelaide and 55 kilometres northwest of Whyalla. With a population of 110 at the 2021 census across 7.7 square kilometres, it was established in 1915 as a company town for BHP's iron ore mining operations. The town sits in arid, flat country at the edge of the Middleback Ranges and is historically significant as Australia's first iron ore mining site.
Iron Knob's identity is inseparable from its mining heritage, with the massive open-cut mine pit visible from town. While large-scale mining wound down, the town has reinvented itself as a quirky tourist stop with a self-guided heritage trail and the "Iron Knob" sculpture. Residents enjoy a tight-knit outback community with basic amenities, while Whyalla provides the nearest comprehensive services. The town attracts those involved in mining and those who appreciate remote outback living.
Iron Knob falls under postcode 5601 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Giles electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Premier Stateliner — Whyalla to Port Augusta / Adelaide 45 min to Whyalla
Commute to Whyalla
🛣️ Whyalla is the nearest city. Port Augusta is 70 km north. Adelaide is about 4 hours by car.
Small town with basic facilities walkable within town, but all major services require driving to Whyalla.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.