🔍

Port Elliot

SA 5212 • Rest of SA

2,251
Population (2021)
$30,784
Median Income
21.27 km²
Area
$280/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenHistoricBeachsidePeaceful

About Port Elliot

Port Elliot is a charming historic coastal town on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, situated within the Alexandrina District Council area approximately 80 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD. With a population of 2,251 and a striking median age of 61, it is a beloved destination for retirees and sea-changers drawn to its relaxed beachside lifestyle and rich colonial heritage. The median household income of around $1,073 per week reflects a predominantly retired community, while the housing stock spans historic bluestone cottages, heritage-listed buildings, and modern coastal homes.

Port Elliot is celebrated for its beautiful Horseshoe Bay — a sheltered family beach — and the wild surf break at Boomer Beach, one of South Australia's most popular surfing spots. The town centre offers boutique cafes, bakeries, galleries, and gift shops, while Victor Harbor, just 8 kilometres to the west, provides major supermarkets, medical services, and secondary schools. The iconic Cockle Train heritage steam railway links Port Elliot to Goolwa along the coast, and the broader Fleurieu Peninsula offers exceptional cycling, walking trails, wineries, and whale watching during winter, making Port Elliot one of South Australia's most treasured coastal communities.

Port Elliot falls under postcode 5212 and is governed by Alexandrina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Finniss electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5212
Urban Area
Fleurieu - Kangaroo Island
LGA / Council
Alexandrina
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Finniss
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.51°, 138.68°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
21.27 km²
Elevation
125m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • FlindersLink / SouthLink coach services — Adelaide CBD (Central Bus Station) Approximately 1 hr 30 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
No direct train service; Cockle Train is heritage tourist service only
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Victor Highway (B26) connects to South Eastern Freeway. Coach services available to Adelaide CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The compact town centre with its cafes, bakery, and beach access is easily walkable, though a car is needed for major shopping and medical services in Victor Harbor

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,210
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
61 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.7%

8 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,102
Census 2021
2,251
▲ 7.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,740
Income 2021
$30,784
▲ 19.6% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,714
Born Overseas 451

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 264
  • 2. New Zealand 27
  • 3. Scotland 23
  • 4. Germany 16
  • 5. Netherlands 13
  • 6. South Africa 12
  • 7. India 9
  • 8. Wales 9
  • 9. France 8
  • 10. United States 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,200
Australian 775
Scottish 278
German 241
Irish 227
Italian 52
Dutch 45
Australian Aboriginal 35
Welsh 22
French 18

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,328
Both parents born in Australia
536
Both parents born overseas
296
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.5%
Christianity
42.2%
Buddhism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
84 (3.7%)
5-14 years
188 (8.4%)
15-19 years
79 (3.5%)
20-24 years
61 (2.7%)
25-34 years
141 (6.3%)
35-44 years
178 (7.9%)
45-54 years
208 (9.2%)
55-64 years
321 (14.3%)
65-74 years
433 (19.2%)
75-84 years
400 (17.8%)
85+ years
159 (7.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Elliot known for? +

Port Elliot is best known for Horseshoe Bay — a sheltered family-friendly beach — and Boomer Beach, a popular surf break. The town is also celebrated for its beautifully preserved bluestone heritage architecture and the historic Cockle Train steam railway that runs along the coast to Goolwa.

How far is Port Elliot from Adelaide? +

Port Elliot is approximately 80 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD, a drive of around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes off-peak via the Victor Harbor Road (B26) and South Eastern Freeway.

Does Port Elliot have public transport? +

Port Elliot has limited public transport. Coach services (FlindersLink/SouthLink) provide connections to the Adelaide CBD, and the historic Cockle Train steam railway offers a scenic tourist ride to Goolwa, though it does not serve as a regular commuter service. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Port Elliot? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Elliot has a population of 2,251, with a notably high median age of 61, reflecting its strong appeal as a retirement and sea-change destination.

Is Port Elliot a good place to live? +

Port Elliot is an excellent choice for retirees, couples, and those seeking a slower pace of life by the sea. Its heritage character, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Fleurieu Peninsula's wineries and trails make it deeply appealing, though the limited public transport and distance from Adelaide mean a car is essential.

What is the postcode for Port Elliot? +

The postcode for Port Elliot, SA is 5212.