🔍

Meadows

SA 5201 • Greater Adelaide

1,717
Population (2021)
$47,684
Median Income
42.42 km²
Area
$343/wk
Median Rent
RuralAdelaide HillsFamily-FriendlyPeacefulHistoric

About Meadows

Meadows is a rural township nestled in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 48 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD within the Mount Barker District Council area. Sitting at an elevation of 329 metres on land traditionally known as Battunga — meaning 'the place of big trees' — the township has a population of 1,717 and a median age of 39, attracting families and lifestyle residents drawn to the region's rolling hills character and fresh air. The area covers 42.4 square kilometres of hills country, with English, Australian, Scottish, and German ancestry reflecting the town's early settler heritage dating from around 1850.

Meadows offers a genuine Adelaide Hills lifestyle with a small town centre featuring local shops, the historic Meadows Anglican Church (built 1869), and community facilities including sports clubs and a primary school. The surrounding countryside is home to small farms, orchards, and horse properties typical of the Adelaide Hills region, and the South Eastern Freeway via Hahndorf and Mount Barker makes Adelaide reasonably accessible for commuters. Nearby Mount Barker (approximately 20 km) provides major supermarkets, medical services, and schools, while the broader Adelaide Hills wine region — Hahndorf, McLaren Vale, and Kangaroo Island are all within range — makes Meadows an appealing base for those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle within reach of the city.

Meadows falls under postcode 5201 and is governed by Mount Barker Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5201
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Barker
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Heysen
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.17°, 138.75°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
42.42 km²
Elevation
329m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional bus services — Mount Barker 30-40 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
48 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Belair or Mount Barker for train connections
By Car (Peak)
55-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-55 min

🛣️ South Eastern Freeway via Hahndorf/Mount Barker is the main route to Adelaide; Mount Barker (20 km) provides major services

Walkability Car-Dependent

The small town centre has a handful of local amenities within walking distance, but a car is required for most shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$343
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,645
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,369
Census 2021
1,717
▲ 25.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,504
Income 2021
$47,684
▲ 30.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,400
Born Overseas 182

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 108
  • 2. New Zealand 14
  • 3. Netherlands 10
  • 4. Scotland 7
  • 5. Philippines 6
  • 6. France 5
  • 7. China 4
  • 8. Germany 4
  • 9. South Africa 4
  • 10. Ireland 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 794
Australian 762
Scottish 185
German 169
Irish 128
Dutch 40
Italian 32
Polish 15
New Zealander 14
Filipino 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,096
Both parents born in Australia
257
Both parents born overseas
237
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
61.7%
Christianity
27.8%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
122 (7.1%)
5-14 years
233 (13.6%)
15-19 years
75 (4.4%)
20-24 years
71 (4.1%)
25-34 years
240 (14.0%)
35-44 years
257 (15.0%)
45-54 years
216 (12.6%)
55-64 years
256 (14.9%)
65-74 years
153 (8.9%)
75-84 years
63 (3.7%)
85+ years
16 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meadows known for? +

Meadows is known for its scenic setting in the Adelaide Hills, where rolling hills country and small farms surround the historic township. The land is traditionally known as Battunga — meaning 'the place of big trees' — and the town features the heritage Meadows Anglican Church built in 1869.

How far is Meadows from Adelaide CBD? +

Meadows is approximately 48 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD, a drive of around 40–70 minutes depending on traffic via the South Eastern Freeway through Hahndorf and Mount Barker.

Does Meadows have public transport? +

Public transport options in Meadows are very limited. There is no rail service; the nearest train access is at Belair (approx. 35 km) on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line. Limited regional bus services connect Meadows to Mount Barker. A private vehicle is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Meadows? +

According to the 2021 Census, the Meadows area has a population of 1,717 residents. With a median age of 39, the community is relatively young for a rural hills town, with a healthy proportion of families and working-age residents.

Is Meadows a good place to live? +

Meadows offers a relaxed hills lifestyle with rural surroundings, fresh air, and a friendly small-town community, ideal for families, hobby farmers, and those seeking an escape from Adelaide's urban pace. Mount Barker (approximately 20 km) provides easy access to supermarkets, schools, and medical services.

What is the postcode for Meadows? +

The postcode for Meadows, South Australia is 5201.