Parrakie

SA 5301 • South Australia

78
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
486.33 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalOutbackQuiet

About Parrakie

Parrakie is a small rural locality on the Mallee Highway in the far south-east of South Australia, approximately 26 kilometres west of Lameroo within the Southern Mallee District Council area. Covering an expansive 486 square kilometres, the locality is home to just 78 residents as recorded in the 2021 Census, reflecting the sparsely populated nature of the Mallee region. The name Parrakie is derived from the Aboriginal word perki, meaning cave or limestone sinkhole, and the town was surveyed in 1907 as the Pinnaroo railway line was extended through the region.

The local economy is centred entirely on broad-acre agriculture, with large properties growing cereal grains and running livestock across the flat Mallee plains. The locality features a Lutheran church, a town hall, and a post office, along with a cricket club and tennis courts, which remain the focus of community social life. Lameroo, approximately 26 kilometres east, is the nearest service centre offering a supermarket, school, and medical facilities, while Murray Bridge is accessible via the Mallee Highway for a wider range of services.

Parrakie falls under postcode 5301 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mackillop electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5301
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.45°, 140.03°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
486.33 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Route 1234 (very limited) — Murray Bridge / Murrayville Approx. 2 hr to Murray Bridge

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
225 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 20 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 10 min – 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via Mallee Highway west to Murray Bridge, then freeway to Adelaide. Car is essential.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Parrakie is a remote Mallee farming locality with minimal local services; all shopping and appointments require driving to Lameroo or further.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
78
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 Parrakie known for? +

Parrakie is a small Mallee settlement known for broad-acre cereal cropping and sheep grazing. The locality has community facilities including a Lutheran church, town hall, cricket club, and tennis courts, and sits along the Mallee Highway and the historic Pinnaroo railway line.

How far is Parrakie from Adelaide? +

Parrakie is approximately 220–230 kilometres east of Adelaide by road, reached via the Mallee Highway. The drive typically takes around 2 hours 20 to 30 minutes.

Does Parrakie have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport service to Parrakie. The locality is served by the Murrayville to Murray Bridge coach route (Route 1234), though services are very limited. A private vehicle is the primary means of transport.

What is the population of Parrakie? +

According to the 2021 Census, Parrakie has a population of 78 residents. At its historical peak the district supported more residents, but population has declined as agricultural mechanisation reduced the need for farm labour.

Is Parrakie a good place to live? +

Parrakie suits those who embrace a remote rural lifestyle with strong community bonds. The locality has basic community facilities and a tight-knit character, though everyday services require driving to Lameroo or further afield to Murray Bridge.

What is the postcode for Parrakie? +

The postcode for Parrakie, South Australia is 5301.