🔍

Penong

SA 5690 • South Australia

280
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
2089.40 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralAgricultural

About Penong

Penong is a small remote locality on the Far West Coast of South Australia, situated approximately 616 kilometres north-west of Adelaide and 74 kilometres west of Ceduna along the Eyre Highway. The locality covers an extraordinarily large area of around 2,089 square kilometres — a reflection of its vast outback character — and recorded a population of 280 at the 2021 Census. It falls within a remote region approaching the Nullarbor Plain, with its economy historically centred on pastoral farming and the services travellers need crossing between South Australia and Western Australia.

Penong is perhaps best known for its iconic Windmill Museum, an outdoor collection of around 20 restored historic windmills that has become a beloved stop for Nullarbor road trippers since opening in 2016. The locality has a small general store and fuel stop that are essential for motorists venturing further west on the Eyre Highway. The landscape is flat, arid scrubland with expansive skies, and the area is popular with those drawn to outback touring, coastal access to the Great Australian Bight, and the raw solitude of Far West South Australia.

Penong 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
-32.28°, 133.58°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2089.40 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia (limited) — Ceduna / Adelaide (via Eyre Highway) Ceduna ~1 hr; Adelaide ~8 hrs

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
616 km
By Train
No direct train service; Port Augusta is the nearest rail terminus
By Car (Peak)
~7-8 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7 hrs

🛣️ Travel via Stuart Highway and Eyre Highway; long stretches between fuel stops; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

An isolated outback locality where a car is absolutely essential; the general store is the only local amenity

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
280
▲ 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 Penong known for? +

Penong is best known for its Windmill Museum, an outdoor collection of around 20 restored historic windmills beside the Eyre Highway. It is also a well-known rest stop and fuel point for travellers crossing the Nullarbor Plain between South Australia and Western Australia.

How far is Penong from Adelaide? +

Penong is approximately 616 kilometres north-west of Adelaide, a drive of around 7–8 hours via Port Augusta and Ceduna on the Eyre Highway.

Does Penong have public transport? +

Public transport is extremely limited in Penong. Greyhound Australia coaches travelling the Eyre Highway may stop at Penong, but services are infrequent. A car is essential for living in or visiting the locality.

What is the population of Penong? +

Penong recorded a population of 280 residents at the 2021 Census. The locality covers an area of approximately 2,089 square kilometres, reflecting the vast and sparsely settled nature of Far West South Australia.

Is Penong a good place to live? +

Penong suits those who value extreme remoteness, wide open outback landscapes, and a very simple, self-sufficient lifestyle. It is far from any major urban centre and has minimal services, making it better suited as a base for pastoralists or dedicated outback enthusiasts than for families needing regular access to schools, hospitals, or shops.

What is the postcode for Penong? +

The postcode for Penong is 5690.