🔍

Nepean Bay

SA 5223 • South Australia

140
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
40.98 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralIsland LivingRemoteWildlife

About Nepean Bay

Nepean Bay is a rural coastal locality on the north-eastern corner of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, administered by the Kangaroo Island Council. Located approximately 10 kilometres south-east of Kingscote — the island's main town — the locality covers around 41 square kilometres and fronts the sheltered waters of Nepean Bay, the large embayment on the island's northern coast named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802. With a population of 140, Nepean Bay is a sparsely settled area characterised by rural land use, open farmland, and scenic coastal views across to the South Australian mainland.

The locality appeals to those seeking a quiet island lifestyle, with Kingscote nearby providing access to essential services including shops, the island's main hospital, and Kingscote Airport with regular flights to Adelaide. Nepean Bay's natural setting offers stunning coastal scenery, wildlife encounters — Kangaroo Island is famous for its sea lions, echidnas, and diverse birdlife — and proximity to the island's many conservation parks. Life here is car-dependent and peaceful, attracting residents and landholders who value wide-open spaces and the exceptional natural environment that makes Kangaroo Island one of South Australia's most celebrated destinations.

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

📍 Location

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled local bus service — Kingscote (nearest town) Car required; approximately 10 km to Kingscote

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
128 km
By Train
No train service. Travel requires SeaLink ferry from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis (45 min) then drive to Adelaide (~1.5 hr), or flight from Kingscote Airport (~35 min).
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr (including ferry)
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min (including ferry)

🛣️ Kingscote Airport offers regular flights to Adelaide. SeaLink ferry departs Penneshaw on the island's eastern tip.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Nepean Bay has no local services; all errands require a car, with Kingscote approximately 10 km away.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
140
▲ 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 Nepean Bay known for? +

Nepean Bay the locality is known for its picturesque coastal setting on the north-eastern side of Kangaroo Island, with views across the sheltered bay named by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The broader Kangaroo Island region is celebrated for its wildlife, including sea lions, echidnas, and diverse birdlife.

How far is Nepean Bay from Adelaide? +

Nepean Bay is approximately 128 kilometres from Adelaide — by road and ferry it takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, including the SeaLink ferry crossing from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. Alternatively, flights from Kingscote Airport to Adelaide take about 35 minutes.

Does Nepean Bay have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Nepean Bay. The island has no passenger rail and limited bus services. A private vehicle is essential, and island access is via the SeaLink ferry or flights through Kingscote Airport.

What is the population of Nepean Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nepean Bay has a population of 140 residents. It is a sparsely settled rural locality covering approximately 41 square kilometres.

Is Nepean Bay a good place to live? +

Nepean Bay is ideal for those seeking a remote island lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Kingscote provides nearby access to shops, healthcare, and the airport. The region's wildlife, conservation parks, and pristine coastal environment offer an unmatched quality of life for those who embrace island living.

What is the postcode for Nepean Bay? +

The postcode for Nepean Bay is 5223, shared with Kingscote and other localities on Kangaroo Island.