Streaky Bay

SA 5680 • Rest of SA

1,436
Population (2021)
$34,684
Median Income
493.64 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteRuralSurfingQuiet

About Streaky Bay

Streaky Bay is a remote coastal township on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, situated approximately 750 kilometres north-west of Adelaide within the Streaky Bay District Council area. With a 2021 population of 1,436 and a median age of 48, Streaky Bay serves as the main service centre for the surrounding agricultural and fishing region, covering a vast 493 square kilometres of Eyre Peninsula landscape. The township offers an affordable lifestyle — median weekly rent of $250 and median household income of $1,111 — appealing to farming families, retirees, and those seeking a quiet life far from the city.

Streaky Bay is renowned among surfers and outdoor enthusiasts for its pristine beaches, exceptional surfing spots, and abundant marine life including whale sharks, sea lions, and dolphins that frequent the remarkably clear coastal waters. The town has a strong agricultural and fishing heritage, with grain farming and aquaculture underpinning the local economy. A township of Streaky Bay's size offers the essential amenities — a supermarket, medical centre, primary and secondary schools, and a small business district — while retaining the character of a tight-knit regional community. German and Irish heritage is woven through the local population, reflecting the pioneering settlers of the Eyre Peninsula.

Streaky Bay falls under postcode 5680 and is governed by Streaky Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Flinders electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5680
Urban Area
Eyre Peninsula
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-32.84°, 134.22°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
493.64 km²
Elevation
5m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Stateliner coach (limited services) — Port Lincoln / Adelaide 2.5 hr to Port Lincoln; 9–10 hr to Adelaide

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
750 km
By Train
No rail service; Stateliner coach is available but infrequent
By Car (Peak)
8-9 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
7.5-8.5 hours

🛣️ Eyre Highway and Lincoln Highway are the main routes; a private vehicle is essential. Regional flights available from Streaky Bay Airport (small charter/Rex services)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Compact township where the main street and essential services are reachable on foot, but a car is needed for most travel beyond the town centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,278
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.3%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,378
Census 2021
1,436
4.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,120
Income 2021
$34,684
19.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,210
Born Overseas 79

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 30
  • 2. New Zealand 9
  • 3. India 5
  • 4. United States 5
  • 5. Scotland 4
  • 6. Indonesia 3
  • 7. Thailand 3
  • 8. Vietnam 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 625
English 598
Irish 163
German 140
Scottish 128
Australian Aboriginal 26
Italian 22
Indian 9
Dutch 8
Greek 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,090
Both parents born in Australia
115
Both parents born overseas
121
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.6%
Christianity
41.2%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
72 (5.0%)
5-14 years
173 (12.0%)
15-19 years
55 (3.8%)
20-24 years
48 (3.3%)
25-34 years
151 (10.5%)
35-44 years
142 (9.9%)
45-54 years
189 (13.2%)
55-64 years
242 (16.9%)
65-74 years
225 (15.7%)
75-84 years
85 (5.9%)
85+ years
50 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Streaky Bay known for? +

Streaky Bay is renowned for its spectacular and largely unspoilt beaches, world-class surfing, and remarkable marine wildlife including whale sharks, sea lions, and dolphins in the clear waters of the Great Australian Bight region. It is also a centre for Eyre Peninsula grain farming and seafood.

How far is Streaky Bay from Adelaide? +

Streaky Bay is approximately 750 kilometres north-west of Adelaide, making it an 8–9 hour drive. It is a remote destination well beyond the reach of most day-trippers, though regional flights provide faster access.

Does Streaky Bay have public transport? +

Streaky Bay is served by infrequent Stateliner coach services connecting it to Port Lincoln and Adelaide, as well as limited regional air services. There is no passenger rail on the Eyre Peninsula, and a private vehicle is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Streaky Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Streaky Bay has a population of 1,436 residents, a slight decrease from 1,378 in 2016. It serves as the main service town for a much larger surrounding district.

Is Streaky Bay a good place to live? +

Streaky Bay suits those who value remote coastal living, natural beauty, and a close-knit country town community. The affordable housing, outstanding surf beaches, and tranquil lifestyle are significant drawcards, though the extreme remoteness and limited services require adjustment for those coming from larger cities.

What is the postcode for Streaky Bay? +

The postcode for Streaky Bay is 5680.