Maslin Beach

SA 5170 • Greater Adelaide

1,213
Population (2021)
$36,244
Median Income
6.55 km²
Area
$335/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRetireesAffordable

About Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach is a coastal suburb located approximately 40 kilometres south of Adelaide in the City of Onkaparinga, South Australia. With a population of around 1,213, it sits within the southern beaches corridor between Aldinga Beach to the south and Moana to the north. The suburb is famous for being Australia's first legal nude beach — a status officially granted in 1975 — giving Maslin Beach a distinctive and relaxed cultural identity.

The lifestyle here is defined by the stunning Sellick Hill escarpment, golden sandy beaches, and proximity to the celebrated McLaren Vale wine region just minutes inland. Maslin Beach has a predominantly older demographic (median age 46) and attracts sea-changers, retirees, and nature lovers seeking a quieter coastal existence. Residents enjoy beach walks, local cafes, and easy access to the world-class wineries and restaurants of McLaren Vale, while Adelaide city is accessible by car in under an hour.

Maslin Beach falls under postcode 5170 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5170
Urban Area
Onkaparinga - South
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.23°, 138.48°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
6.55 km²
Elevation
53m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Noarlunga Centre Station
12 km
N/A (drive/bus)

Bus Services

  • 751, 752 — Noarlunga Centre / Adelaide CBD 20 min to Noarlunga Centre, then rail to city

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
Bus to Noarlunga Centre then rail, approx 1 hr total
By Car (Peak)
50-65 min via Southern Expressway
By Car (Off-Peak)
40 min via Southern Expressway

🛣️ Southern Expressway provides direct route to Adelaide; local buses connect to Noarlunga Centre rail/bus hub

Walkability Car Dependent

Walking along the beach and foreshore is excellent; car needed for most shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$335
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,320
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,152
Census 2021
1,213
5.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,928
Income 2021
$36,244
13.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 851
Born Overseas 317

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 200
  • 2. New Zealand 18
  • 3. United States 12
  • 4. Germany 11
  • 5. Scotland 10
  • 6. Canada 8
  • 7. Philippines 6
  • 8. Poland 6
  • 9. Ireland 5
  • 10. Singapore 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 658
Australian 385
Scottish 143
Irish 132
German 104
Dutch 42
Italian 31
Australian Aboriginal 22
Welsh 22
Polish 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

595
Both parents born in Australia
398
Both parents born overseas
176
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
67.0%
Christianity
25.5%
Buddhism
1.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
37 (3.1%)
5-14 years
134 (11.0%)
15-19 years
88 (7.3%)
20-24 years
67 (5.5%)
25-34 years
120 (9.9%)
35-44 years
141 (11.6%)
45-54 years
183 (15.1%)
55-64 years
227 (18.7%)
65-74 years
149 (12.3%)
75-84 years
46 (3.8%)
85+ years
23 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maslin Beach famous for? +

Maslin Beach is famous for being Australia's first legally approved nude beach, a status granted in 1975. The beach remains a clothing-optional area at its southern end, attracting visitors from across South Australia.

How far is Maslin Beach from Adelaide? +

Maslin Beach is approximately 40 kilometres south of Adelaide, around 40 minutes by car via the Southern Expressway.

Is Maslin Beach near McLaren Vale? +

Yes — McLaren Vale's world-famous wine region is just 10 minutes inland from Maslin Beach, making it a great base for wine tourism as well as beach activities.

What is the median house price in Maslin Beach? +

Maslin Beach offers relatively affordable coastal living, with median house prices significantly lower than comparable northern Adelaide beach suburbs. The area is popular with downsizers and retirees seeking beachside lifestyle.