🔍

Tantanoola

SA 5280 • South Australia

457
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
260.45 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietHistoricAffordable

About Tantanoola

Tantanoola is a small rural locality in South Australia's Limestone Coast region, situated approximately 350 kilometres south-east of Adelaide and 18 kilometres south-east of Millicent, within the Wattle Range Council local government area. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 457 residents spread across a large agricultural district of around 260 square kilometres, giving it a distinctly open, pastoral character. Median household incomes sit below state averages, reflecting the agricultural and blue-collar workforce that sustains the surrounding farming community.

Tantanoola is perhaps best known for the legendary Tantanoola Tiger, a wolf-like animal shot in 1895 and taxidermied, now displayed in a glass case at the local Tantanoola Tiger Hotel — a quirky drawcard for visitors passing through on the South Eastern Freeway. The locality is surrounded by productive farmland including sheep grazing and cropping, and sits in a region well regarded for its clean air and relaxed rural lifestyle. Nearby Millicent offers essential services including supermarkets, schools, and medical facilities, making Tantanoola a quiet rural retreat with reasonable access to regional amenities.

Tantanoola falls under postcode 5280 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mount Gambier electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5280
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Mount Gambier
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-37.45°, 140.26°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
260.45 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Mount Gambier / Adelaide Mount Gambier ~40 min; Adelaide ~4 hrs

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
350 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5 hrs

🛣️ South Eastern Freeway and Dukes Highway are the main routes to Adelaide. Millicent (18 km) is the nearest service town.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Tantanoola is a dispersed rural locality with no walkable retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
457
▲ 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 Tantanoola known for? +

Tantanoola is best known for the Tantanoola Tiger — a mysterious wolf-like animal shot in 1895 and now taxidermied on display at the Tantanoola Tiger Hotel. The locality is also set in the productive Limestone Coast agricultural region, known for sheep farming and grain cropping.

How far is Tantanoola from Adelaide? +

Tantanoola is approximately 350 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, making it a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via the South Eastern Freeway and Dukes Highway.

Does Tantanoola have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Tantanoola. Regional coach services connect the area to Mount Gambier (about 40 km to the south-west) and Adelaide, but a private vehicle is the most practical way to get around the locality.

What is the population of Tantanoola? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tantanoola has a population of 457 residents, spread across a large rural district of approximately 260 square kilometres.

Is Tantanoola a good place to live? +

Tantanoola suits those seeking a quiet, affordable rural lifestyle in South Australia's scenic Limestone Coast region. Essential services are available in nearby Millicent (18 km), and the area offers a relaxed country atmosphere with working agricultural land and low population density.

What is the postcode for Tantanoola? +

The postcode for Tantanoola, South Australia is 5280.