Norton Summit

SA 5136 • South Australia

548
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
7.77 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HeritageHistoricLeafyFamily-FriendlyAffluent

About Norton Summit

Norton Summit is a historic hilltop town in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, located approximately 12 kilometres east of the Adelaide CBD within the Adelaide Hills Council area. With a population of 548 at the 2021 Census across around 179 dwellings, the town sits in the Mount Lofty Ranges and enjoys elevated, cooler conditions compared to the plains below. The character is quintessentially Adelaide Hills — heritage homes, orchards, bushland gardens, and winding roads through native vegetation — attracting residents who value natural beauty and historical connection.

Norton Summit is well known for the iconic Scenic Hotel, a beloved local pub established in the 1870s and regarded as one of the finest in the Adelaide Hills. Cherry orchards and historic stone cottages add to the charm of this small but distinctive community. Residents enjoy access to Adelaide's full range of services via a short drive, while the surrounding Adelaide Hills offers exceptional hiking, cycling, and wine and food trails. It appeals to professionals, families, and retirees seeking a peaceful hills lifestyle with proximity to the city.

Norton Summit falls under postcode 5136 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5136
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.92°, 138.74°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
7.77 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Hills Transit bus services (Adelaide Hills routes) — Norwood / Adelaide CBD (with connections) Approx. 45–60 min to Adelaide CBD including connections

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Belair Station (~10km) for the Belair Line to Adelaide City (approx. 30 min from Belair)
By Car (Peak)
25–40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–30 min

🛣️ The main route down is via Norton Summit Road/Greenhill Road; winding roads require careful driving

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small hills town with limited local services; the Scenic Hotel is walkable for locals, but a car is needed for shopping and most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
548
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 Norton Summit known for? +

Norton Summit is best known for the Scenic Hotel, an iconic Adelaide Hills pub established in the 1870s and widely celebrated as one of the best in the region. The town is also known for its cherry orchards, historic stone buildings, and its long connection to the prominent Playford family of South Australian politics.

How far is Norton Summit from Adelaide? +

Norton Summit is approximately 12 kilometres east of the Adelaide CBD in the Adelaide Hills, typically a 20 to 40-minute drive depending on traffic via Norton Summit Road and Greenhill Road.

Does Norton Summit have public transport? +

Norton Summit is served by Hills Transit bus services providing connections towards Adelaide, though services are limited and a car is the most practical way to get around. There is no rail service to the town; Belair Station on the Belair Line is approximately 10 kilometres to the south-west.

What is the population of Norton Summit? +

According to the 2021 Census, Norton Summit has a population of 548 people across approximately 179 dwellings. The town covers approximately 7.8 square kilometres of Adelaide Hills terrain.

Is Norton Summit a good place to live? +

Norton Summit is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful hills lifestyle close to Adelaide, offering heritage character, natural bushland, and community warmth. It suits professionals, families, and retirees who value history, scenery, and a village atmosphere while being only 12 kilometres from the city.

What is the postcode for Norton Summit? +

The postcode for Norton Summit is 5136, in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia.