🔍

Oak Valley

SA 5690 • South Australia

96
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
10.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackMulticulturalHistoric

About Oak Valley

Oak Valley is a remote Aboriginal community in far north-west South Australia, situated on the southern fringe of the Great Victoria Desert within the Maralinga Tjarutja lands, approximately 1,000 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. Home to around 96 Anangu (southern Pitjantjatjara) residents, the community covers 10.2 square kilometres and is the sole settlement within the Maralinga Tjarutja local government area. The community was established in 1984-85 following the displacement of Anangu people from their traditional lands during the British nuclear tests at Maralinga in the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite its remoteness, Oak Valley has essential community services including a school (Oak Valley Anangu School), a health clinic, aged care centre, youth programme, rangers programme, and a community store. The locality takes its name from the desert oaks (Allocasuarina decaisneana) that populate the surrounding landscape. Access to the community is via the Eyre Highway and approximately 80 kilometres of unsealed roads, and a permit from the Maralinga Tjarutja council is required for non-residents to visit.

Oak Valley falls under postcode 5690 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Flinders electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5690
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Flinders
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-29.45°, 130.81°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
10.17 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
1000 km
By Train
No train service available
By Car (Peak)
11-12 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
11-12 hours

🛣️ Extremely remote; access via Eyre Highway then ~80 km of unsealed roads; permit required for non-residents

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote community with a community store; 4WD vehicle essential for travel beyond the settlement

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
96
▲ 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 Oak Valley known for? +

Oak Valley is known as the sole community of the Maralinga Tjarutja people, an Anangu Aboriginal community established after their displacement during British nuclear testing at Maralinga in the 1950s-60s. It is also named for the desert oaks that populate the surrounding landscape.

How far is Oak Valley from Adelaide? +

Oak Valley is approximately 1,000 kilometres north-west of Adelaide CBD. The nearest significant town is Ceduna, roughly 516 kilometres to the south-east by road.

Does Oak Valley have public transport? +

Oak Valley has no public transport services. Access is via the Eyre Highway and approximately 80 kilometres of unsealed 4WD tracks. There is no commercial air service or rail connection. A permit is required for non-residents to visit.

What is the population of Oak Valley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Oak Valley has a population of approximately 96 residents. The community is predominantly Aboriginal and is the only settlement within the Maralinga Tjarutja local government area.

Is Oak Valley a good place to live? +

Oak Valley is a culturally significant community for the Maralinga Tjarutja people, offering a strong connection to traditional country and culture. It provides essential services including a school, health clinic, and community store, though its extreme remoteness means access to broader amenities requires significant travel.

What is the postcode for Oak Valley? +

The postcode for Oak Valley, South Australia is 5690.