🔍

Port Willunga

SA 5173 • Greater Adelaide

1,785
Population (2021)
$35,880
Median Income
2.13 km²
Area
$328/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideQuietSemi-RuralRetiree-Haven

About Port Willunga

Port Willunga is a small coastal suburb on the Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately 40 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD within the City of Onkaparinga. With a population of 1,785, it is a compact seaside community covering just 2.1 square kilometres, and has grown steadily from 1,637 residents in 2016. The suburb has a median age of 44 and a median household income of around $1,313 per week, attracting a mix of sea-change families, retirees, and holiday homeowners. The surrounding area forms part of the southern Adelaide coastal corridor, fronting the Gulf St Vincent.

Port Willunga is best known for its stunning clifftop views, white sandy beach, and the iconic ruins of the historic Star of Greece jetty — remnants of a 19th-century cargo loading pier that has become one of South Australia's most photographed landmarks. The beach is a favourite for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing, drawing visitors from across Adelaide on weekends and holidays. Nearby McLaren Vale is just a short drive inland, offering world-class wineries and restaurants that add to the region's lifestyle appeal. With limited local shops, residents typically drive to Aldinga Beach or Noarlunga Centre for everyday needs, and public transport options are limited.

Port Willunga falls under postcode 5173 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5173
Urban Area
Onkaparinga - South
LGA / Council
Onkaparinga
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.26°, 138.46°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
2.13 km²
Elevation
4m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Seaford
18 km
N/A — drive required

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro Bus (limited services) — Noarlunga Centre / Seaford 20-30 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Seaford station then approx. 45 min to Adelaide City via Seaford Line
By Car (Peak)
45-60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ Car-dependent; closest services at Aldinga Beach and Noarlunga Centre; near McLaren Vale wine region

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small coastal suburb with minimal local retail; a car is essential for groceries, services, and most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$328
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.7%

0 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,637
Census 2021
1,785
▲ 9.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,992
Income 2021
$35,880
▲ 15.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,415
Born Overseas 271

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 156
  • 2. Scotland 15
  • 3. New Zealand 11
  • 4. Germany 10
  • 5. Netherlands 8
  • 6. India 6
  • 7. South Africa 5
  • 8. Wales 5
  • 9. Italy 4
  • 10. Canada 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 894
Australian 692
Scottish 215
Irish 195
German 156
Australian Aboriginal 57
Italian 43
Dutch 35
Welsh 24
Chinese 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,068
Both parents born in Australia
356
Both parents born overseas
260
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
64.2%
Christianity
25.3%
Buddhism
1.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
88 (4.9%)
5-14 years
242 (13.6%)
15-19 years
86 (4.8%)
20-24 years
120 (6.7%)
25-34 years
177 (9.9%)
35-44 years
210 (11.8%)
45-54 years
258 (14.5%)
55-64 years
256 (14.3%)
65-74 years
232 (13.0%)
75-84 years
96 (5.4%)
85+ years
29 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Willunga known for? +

Port Willunga is best known for its beautiful beach and the historic ruins of the Star of Greece jetty, a 19th-century cargo pier that has become one of South Australia's most photographed landmarks. The clifftop setting with sweeping Gulf St Vincent views and proximity to McLaren Vale's wineries make it a popular coastal retreat.

How far is Port Willunga from Adelaide CBD? +

Port Willunga is approximately 40 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD, around a 35-45 minute drive off-peak or 45-60 minutes in peak hour via Main South Road.

Does Port Willunga have public transport? +

Public transport in Port Willunga is limited. There are some Adelaide Metro bus connections to Noarlunga Centre, where the Seaford Line train can be accessed. However, a car is the most practical way to get around, as services are infrequent.

What is the population of Port Willunga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Willunga has a population of 1,785 residents, up from 1,637 in 2016, reflecting growing demand for coastal lifestyle properties south of Adelaide.

Is Port Willunga a good place to live? +

Port Willunga is ideal for those seeking a quiet coastal sea-change lifestyle within driving distance of Adelaide. It suits families, retirees, and remote workers who value natural beauty and outdoor recreation over urban convenience, though a car is essential for daily life.

What is the postcode for Port Willunga? +

The postcode for Port Willunga, SA is 5173.