🔍

Kingscote

SA 5223 • Rest of SA

1,962
Population (2021)
$34,996
Median Income
17.61 km²
Area
$214/wk
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricRuralRetirees

About Kingscote

Kingscote is the largest town and administrative centre of Kangaroo Island, located about 119 kilometres south-west of Adelaide in South Australia. With a population of approximately 1,915, it holds the distinction of being South Australia's oldest surviving European settlement, founded by the South Australian Company in July 1836. Governed by the Kangaroo Island Council, Kingscote is the island's commercial and communications hub, home to a hospital, schools, shops, and government services. Kingscote Airport provides regular passenger flights connecting the island to the mainland.

Kingscote offers a unique blend of rich history and natural beauty, with a well-established colony of Australian little penguins — the world's smallest penguin species — viewable at Kingscote Wharf each evening. The town serves as the main gateway for visitors to Kangaroo Island, supporting tourism businesses, restaurants, and accommodation. Residents enjoy a relaxed island lifestyle with access to pristine beaches, national parks, local seafood, and a close community. The Kangaroo Island ferry service from Cape Jervis provides a 45-minute crossing to the mainland.

Kingscote falls under postcode 5223 and is governed by Kangaroo Island Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5223
Urban Area
Fleurieu - Kangaroo Island
LGA / Council
Kangaroo Island
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.65°, 137.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
17.61 km²
Elevation
44m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Island local bus — Penneshaw / Parndana Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
119 km
By Car (Peak)
45 min drive to Cape Jervis then 45 min ferry
By Car (Off-Peak)
45 min drive to Cape Jervis then 45 min ferry

🛣️ SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis; Kingscote Airport offers flights to Adelaide (~30 min)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre is walkable; broader island access requires a car or ferry

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$214
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.8%

45 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,826
Census 2021
1,962
▲ 7.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,340
Income 2021
$34,996
▲ 23.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,518
Born Overseas 271

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 97
  • 2. New Zealand 39
  • 3. United States 14
  • 4. Philippines 12
  • 5. Italy 11
  • 6. South Africa 11
  • 7. Germany 10
  • 8. Netherlands 10
  • 9. India 9
  • 10. Scotland 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 900
Australian 791
Scottish 193
German 181
Irish 175
Italian 46
Dutch 36
Australian Aboriginal 31
Maori 21
New Zealander 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,246
Both parents born in Australia
315
Both parents born overseas
217
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
54.6%
Christianity
32.7%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
90 (4.6%)
5-14 years
207 (10.6%)
15-19 years
81 (4.1%)
20-24 years
79 (4.0%)
25-34 years
228 (11.6%)
35-44 years
164 (8.4%)
45-54 years
215 (11.0%)
55-64 years
332 (16.9%)
65-74 years
305 (15.5%)
75-84 years
200 (10.2%)
85+ years
74 (3.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Kingscote from Adelaide? +

You can reach Kingscote by flying from Adelaide Airport (~30 min with Regional Express or Link Airways) or by driving to Cape Jervis (~1 hour) and taking the SeaLink ferry (~45 min) to Penneshaw, then driving 65 km to Kingscote.

What is Kingscote known for? +

Kingscote is known as South Australia's oldest European settlement (1836), the administrative centre of Kangaroo Island, and a colony of Australian little penguins viewable nightly at Kingscote Wharf.

What schools are in Kingscote? +

Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) is a K-12 government school located in Kingscote, serving students from across the island.

What is the population of Kingscote? +

Kingscote had a population of approximately 1,915 at the 2021 Census.

Is there an airport at Kingscote? +

Yes. Kingscote Airport is served by Regional Express (Rex) and Link Airways with daily flights to Adelaide, taking approximately 30 minutes.