🔍

McLaren Vale

SA 5171 • Greater Adelaide

4,061
Population (2021)
$35,724
Median Income
58.53 km²
Area
$328/wk
Median Rent
Wine RegionLifestyleTourismRegional TownFood & Dining

About McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is a major wine-region township in Adelaide's south, around 33 km from the CBD in the Onkaparinga area. The 2021 Census population in the dataset is 3,277, with a mix of long-term residents, hospitality workers and lifestyle newcomers. Internationally known for viticulture, the town anchors a broader food-and-wine tourism district. Its character blends village-scale services, heritage streets and surrounding vineyards.

Lifestyle in McLaren Vale centres on cellar doors, restaurants, local produce and weekend tourism, with beaches and hinterland attractions nearby. Residents have access to local schools and daily services, while larger employment and retail hubs are reached through Noarlunga and southern Adelaide. Public transport is mostly bus-based, and many households still rely on car travel for commuting. McLaren Vale appeals to families, retirees and lifestyle residents seeking a regional feel within metro reach.

McLaren Vale falls under postcode 5171 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5171
Urban Area
Onkaparinga - South
LGA / Council
Onkaparinga
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.21°, 138.55°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
58.53 km²
Elevation
63m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Seaford Station
8.5 km
Not walkable
Noarlunga Centre Station
9 km
Not walkable
Seaford Meadows Station
8.2 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro regional routes — Noarlunga Centre 25-45 min
  • Wine region and local connectors — Willunga / Aldinga / Seaford 20-40 min
  • CBD-bound services (with interchange) — Adelaide CBD 70-100 min total

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
33 km
By Train
55-75 min (bus/drive to Seaford Line + train)
By Bus
70-100 min
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-50 min

🛣️ Road commuting is common; rail access is generally via nearby Seaford corridor stations.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town-centre amenities are walkable, but most work, schooling and inter-town trips rely on buses or cars.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    178 Main Road McLaren Vale 5171 SA

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$328
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.9%

7 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,842
Census 2021
4,061
▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,368
Income 2021
$35,724
▲ 17.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,821
Born Overseas 1,052

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 606
  • 2. Scotland 75
  • 3. New Zealand 49
  • 4. Italy 44
  • 5. Germany 36
  • 6. Netherlands 24
  • 7. South Africa 22
  • 8. Wales 21
  • 9. United States 20
  • 10. Canada 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,191
Australian 1,334
Scottish 499
Irish 377
German 309
Italian 189
Dutch 82
Welsh 43
Polish 31
Greek 29

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,080
Both parents born in Australia
1,303
Both parents born overseas
497
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.1%
Christianity
40.0%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
141 (3.5%)
5-14 years
406 (10.0%)
15-19 years
188 (4.6%)
20-24 years
165 (4.1%)
25-34 years
282 (6.9%)
35-44 years
396 (9.8%)
45-54 years
510 (12.6%)
55-64 years
632 (15.6%)
65-74 years
642 (15.8%)
75-84 years
503 (12.4%)
85+ years
196 (4.8%)

Nearby Suburbs