Rhynie

SA 5412 • South Australia

138
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
32.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalQuiet

About Rhynie

Rhynie is a small rural town in South Australia's Mid North region, situated along the Horrocks Highway roughly halfway between Tarlee and Auburn, within the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys local government area. With a 2021 Census population of 138 residents across approximately 32 square kilometres, the town has its origins as a surveyed settlement founded in 1859, giving it considerable historic character for its size. The median income reflects a predominantly agricultural community engaged in the mixed farming and viticulture typical of the broader Clare Valley region.

Rhynie sits at the southern edge of the renowned Clare Valley wine district, with world-class Riesling country a short drive north via Auburn and Clare. The former Spalding railway line, which once served the town, has been repurposed as the Rattler Rail Trail — a popular cycling and walking path connecting several towns in the district. The Rhynie Hotel, established in 1860, stands as a heritage landmark and community gathering point, and the town retains a quiet, pastoral character suited to those seeking a country lifestyle within reach of the Barossa Valley to the south.

Rhynie falls under postcode 5412 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Frome electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5412
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.18°, 138.78°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
32.00 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Adelaide (via Kapunda or Gawler) approx. 1.5–2 hours

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
105 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min via Horrocks Highway and Sturt Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 20 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport. Horrocks Highway provides the main route south to Adelaide.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small rural town with minimal local services — a car is essential for groceries, healthcare, and most daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
138
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 Rhynie known for? +

Rhynie is known for its historic character as a 19th-century South Australian settlement, its location along the Horrocks Highway, and its proximity to the famous Clare Valley wine district. The former Spalding railway line through the town has been converted into the Rattler Rail Trail cycling and walking path.

How far is Rhynie from Adelaide? +

Rhynie is approximately 105 kilometres north of Adelaide, making it around a 1 hour 20 minute drive via the Horrocks Highway and Sturt Highway under normal conditions.

Does Rhynie have public transport? +

Rhynie has no rail service; the former Spalding railway line closed in 1984. Limited regional coach connections to Adelaide are available via nearby towns, but a private vehicle is the most practical transport option.

What is the population of Rhynie? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 138 for Rhynie, making it a very small rural community within the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys.

Is Rhynie a good place to live? +

Rhynie appeals to those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle in a heritage-rich setting close to the Clare Valley wine region. Amenities are very limited, so residents typically travel to Auburn or Clare for everyday needs. It suits people who value open countryside and a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Rhynie? +

The postcode for Rhynie is 5412.