Tumby Bay
SA 5605 • Rest of SA
About Tumby Bay
Tumby Bay is a small coastal town on the eastern shore of the Eyre Peninsula, situated approximately 50 kilometres south of Port Lincoln and around 650 kilometres north-west of Adelaide within the Lower Eyre Peninsula District Council. The town covers an expansive 312 square kilometres of rural hinterland and coastline, with a population of 1,781 residents as of the 2021 Census. The median age of 57 reflects the town's significant retiree population, and household incomes are modest at around $1,058 per week, typical of a self-contained regional community. The town sits on Spencer Gulf and is known for its calm, sheltered waters and unhurried lifestyle.
Tumby Bay offers a laid-back lifestyle centred on the sea, with excellent fishing, boating, and swimming at its sheltered beach — one of the most pristine on the Eyre Peninsula. The town centre provides essential services including a supermarket, medical centre, school, and local cafes, making it a largely self-sufficient community. The picturesque Tumby Bay foreshore and jetty are the social heart of the town, popular with anglers and holidaymakers from across South Australia. With affordable property, spectacular coastal scenery, and an unhurried pace, the town draws retirees and sea-change seekers looking for a genuine slice of regional South Australia.
Tumby Bay falls under postcode 5605 and is governed by Lower Eyre Peninsula Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Flinders electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Regional coach (pre-booking required) — Port Lincoln / Port Augusta 60-90 min to Port Lincoln
Commute to Adelaide CBD
🛣️ Remote regional town; air travel from Port Lincoln Airport is the fastest option to Adelaide
The compact town centre is walkable for basic needs, but a car is essential for anything beyond the town's limited local services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
West Terrace
Housing 2021 Census
10 state housing + 13 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 54
- 2. Netherlands 7
- 3. Germany 6
- 4. New Zealand 6
- 5. Scotland 5
- 6. Italy 3
- 7. Papua New Guinea 3
- 8. South Africa 3
- 9. Thailand 3
- 10. United States 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)