🔍

Upper Sturt

SA 5156 • Greater Adelaide

1,005
Population (2021)
$52,468
Median Income
7.32 km²
Area
$345/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralLeafyFamily-FriendlyAffluentBushland

About Upper Sturt

Upper Sturt is a leafy semi-rural locality nestled in the Adelaide Hills at an elevation of 410 metres, approximately 25 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD within the Adelaide Hills District Council area. With a population of 1,005 at the 2021 Census and a median age of 41, the suburb attracts families and professionals seeking a bushland lifestyle within commuting distance of the city. Median household income of $2,229 per week is well above the South Australian average, reflecting the suburb's appeal to higher-income residents drawn by its prestige semi-rural character.

Upper Sturt borders natural bushland corridors and offers residents ready access to walking trails, native wildlife, and the scenic Adelaide Hills landscape. The suburb sits within reach of the renowned McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions, with the historic German village of Hahndorf, cellar doors, and boutique produce outlets all a short drive away. Everyday conveniences including shops, schools, and cafés are available in the nearby Blackwood and Belair township centres, and Belair National Park is just minutes away. Most residents commute to Adelaide by car via the Southern Expressway, though Belair railway station on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line is accessible for those prepared to drive a short distance.

Upper Sturt falls under postcode 5156 and is governed by Adelaide Hills Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5156
Urban Area
Adelaide Hills
LGA / Council
Adelaide Hills
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Heysen
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.02°, 138.68°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
7.32 km²
Elevation
410m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belair
5.5 km
N/A (drive recommended)

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro bus routes (limited) — Blackwood / Belair 10-20 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
Drive to Belair Station (~5 min) then train to Adelaide City ~50-55 min
By Car (Peak)
35-50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-35 min

🛣️ Southern Expressway is the main route to Adelaide CBD; car is essential for daily life

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Upper Sturt's rural character means virtually all errands require a car; no walkable retail precinct within the suburb

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$345
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,800
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
951
Census 2021
1,005
▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$41,444
Income 2021
$52,468
▲ 26.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 782
Born Overseas 170

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 69
  • 2. Germany 12
  • 3. New Zealand 12
  • 4. Hong Kong 6
  • 5. United States 6
  • 6. Malaysia 5
  • 7. Netherlands 5
  • 8. Philippines 5
  • 9. Poland 5
  • 10. Scotland 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 485
Australian 383
Scottish 124
Irish 111
German 97
Dutch 33
Italian 32
Chinese 12
Polish 12
Australian Aboriginal 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

575
Both parents born in Australia
208
Both parents born overseas
168
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
61.4%
Christianity
29.4%
Buddhism
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
61 (6.1%)
5-14 years
134 (13.3%)
15-19 years
60 (6.0%)
20-24 years
43 (4.3%)
25-34 years
102 (10.1%)
35-44 years
141 (14.0%)
45-54 years
152 (15.1%)
55-64 years
137 (13.6%)
65-74 years
133 (13.2%)
75-84 years
36 (3.6%)
85+ years
9 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upper Sturt known for? +

Upper Sturt is known for its leafy, semi-rural character in the Adelaide Hills, offering a peaceful bushland lifestyle with proximity to walking trails, native wildlife, and the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale wine regions.

How far is Upper Sturt from Adelaide? +

Upper Sturt is approximately 25 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD, a 35 to 50 minute drive via the Southern Expressway depending on traffic.

Does Upper Sturt have public transport? +

Public transport options are limited in Upper Sturt. Adelaide Metro bus services provide some connectivity to nearby Blackwood and Belair, where residents can access the Belair railway line for trains to Adelaide city. Most residents rely on a private vehicle.

What is the population of Upper Sturt? +

According to the 2021 Census, Upper Sturt has a population of 1,005 residents, with a median age of 41, reflecting a mix of established families and professionals who value the Adelaide Hills lifestyle.

Is Upper Sturt a good place to live? +

Upper Sturt is an excellent choice for families and professionals who value a quiet, bushland lifestyle within commuting distance of Adelaide, with high household incomes and access to the Adelaide Hills' wineries, national parks, and scenic landscapes.

What is the postcode for Upper Sturt? +

The postcode for Upper Sturt, South Australia is 5156.