🔍

Port Paterson

SA 5700 • South Australia

73
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
45.67 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralIndustrialSemi-Rural

About Port Paterson

Port Paterson is a coastal locality on the eastern shore of Spencer Gulf at the northern end of the gulf, located approximately 9 kilometres south of the centre of Port Augusta in South Australia. The locality falls within the City of Port Augusta local government area and sits about 237 kilometres north of Adelaide. With a 2021 Census population of 73 residents spread across 45.7 square kilometres, Port Paterson is a sparsely settled area that includes a mix of former industrial land, residential pockets, and a significant coastline strip managed for conservation.

Port Paterson is notable for its industrial heritage, as it was the former site of major coal-fired power stations — Playford A, Playford B, and the Northern Power Station — that burned coal mined at Leigh Creek. In recent years the area has seen investment in modern food production, with Sundrop Farms operating a large solar-powered greenhouse facility that has become a significant employer. The Spencer Gulf coastline adjacent to Port Paterson offers quiet fishing spots and scenic views, and residents have easy access to the full range of shops, schools, and services in Port Augusta just minutes to the north.

Port Paterson falls under postcode 5700 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5700
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Stuart
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-32.57°, 137.86°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
45.67 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Port Augusta town bus service — Port Augusta city centre Approx. 15-20 min
  • Stateliner / Greyhound coach — Adelaide CBD Approx. 4 hr 30 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
237 km
By Train
No direct train service; long-distance coach from Port Augusta
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 20 min - 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Augusta Highway (National Highway 1) runs through the locality. Port Augusta city centre is 9 km north.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Port Paterson has no local retail amenities; all shopping and services require a drive to Port Augusta.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
73
▲ 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 Port Paterson known for? +

Port Paterson is known for its former coal-fired power stations — including Playford A, Playford B and the Northern Power Station — which burned coal from Leigh Creek and were a major part of South Australia's electricity generation for decades. The area is now also home to Sundrop Farms, a pioneering solar-powered greenhouse operation.

How far is Port Paterson from Adelaide? +

Port Paterson is approximately 237 kilometres north of Adelaide CBD, a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours via National Highway 1 (Augusta Highway). The nearest major town, Port Augusta, is just 9 kilometres to the north.

Does Port Paterson have public transport? +

Port Paterson is served by the Port Augusta town bus service, which connects it to Port Augusta city centre in around 15 to 20 minutes. Long-distance coach services (Stateliner and Greyhound) connect Port Augusta to Adelaide, though there is no passenger rail service.

What is the population of Port Paterson? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 73 residents in Port Paterson, spread across an area of approximately 45.7 square kilometres along the northern Spencer Gulf coastline.

Is Port Paterson a good place to live? +

Port Paterson suits those who enjoy a quiet lifestyle close to the Spencer Gulf coastline with easy access to Port Augusta's full range of services. The area has an industrial heritage and is evolving with modern agricultural investment, offering a unique mix of coastal scenery and regional convenience.

What is the postcode for Port Paterson? +

The postcode for Port Paterson, South Australia is 5700, shared with Port Augusta and surrounding localities.