Menzies

SA 5223 • South Australia

83
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
124.09 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalPeacefulSemi-Rural

About Menzies

Menzies is a rural locality on the western side of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, situated approximately 136 kilometres south-west of Adelaide and around 19 kilometres west of Kingscote, the island's largest town and administrative centre. The locality falls under the Kangaroo Island Council and covers approximately 124 square kilometres of land, with the 2021 Census recording a population of 83 residents. Boundaries for the Menzies locality were drawn from the historic cadastral unit of the Hundred of Menzies, which was first surveyed in 1878.

Primary production is the dominant land use in Menzies, with farming of crops and livestock continuing a tradition that dates back to small-scale barley and oats cultivation in the late 19th century. The broader Kangaroo Island setting adds significant appeal, with the island renowned for its pristine natural environment, Flinders Chase National Park, abundant wildlife, and premium food and wine produce. Residents depend on Kingscote for most services, schools, and shopping, while the island itself is accessible from the mainland by ferry from Cape Jervis or by regular flights into Kingscote Airport.

Menzies falls under postcode 5223 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5223
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.81°, 137.54°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
124.09 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SeaLink Island Shuttle — Kingscote / Penneshaw Approximately 1 hour 15 min from Kingscote to Penneshaw

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
136 km
By Train
No rail service. Fly from Kingscote Airport (~30 min) or take the SeaLink ferry from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis (~45 min) then drive to Adelaide (~1 hr).
By Car (Peak)
Not applicable (island)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Drive to Penneshaw (~80 min) + ferry (~45 min) + drive to Adelaide (~1 hr) = approx. 3 hours total

🛣️ Kangaroo Island is accessible by SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis or by flight from Adelaide Airport. A car is essential on the island as there is no local public transport.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Menzies is a dispersed rural locality on Kangaroo Island with no local services; a car is essential for all travel and daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
83
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menzies SA known for? +

Menzies is known as a quiet rural locality on the western end of Kangaroo Island, with primary production — including cropping and livestock — forming the backbone of local activity. It sits within one of Australia's most celebrated natural destinations, giving residents close access to Flinders Chase National Park, abundant wildlife, and Kangaroo Island's premium produce.

How far is Menzies SA from Adelaide? +

Menzies is approximately 136 kilometres south-west of Adelaide, though being on Kangaroo Island means the journey involves a ferry or flight. The typical route is a drive to Cape Jervis (~1 hour), the SeaLink ferry to Penneshaw (~45 minutes), then a drive of around 80 minutes to the Menzies area — totalling roughly 3 hours.

Does Menzies have public transport? +

There is no public transport on Kangaroo Island, including in Menzies. SeaLink operates ferry services between Penneshaw and the mainland at Cape Jervis, and a shuttle bus connects Penneshaw and Kingscote. However, a car is essential for getting around the island.

What is the population of Menzies SA? +

According to the 2021 Census, Menzies has a population of 83 residents, spread across a 124 square kilometre area on Kangaroo Island's western side.

Is Menzies a good place to live? +

Menzies offers a genuinely tranquil island lifestyle with incredible natural surroundings, making it appealing to those who love farming, nature, and a quiet pace of life. Access to services requires travel to Kingscote, and mainland Adelaide is reached by ferry or plane, so the location suits self-sufficient residents comfortable with island living.

What is the postcode for Menzies SA? +

The postcode for Menzies, South Australia is 5223, shared with Kingscote and other Kangaroo Island localities.