🔍

Vivonne Bay

SA 5223 • South Australia

95
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
134.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralTourist HubPeaceful

About Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay is a locality on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, situated approximately 174 kilometres south-west of Adelaide and about 55 kilometres south-west of Kingscote, the island's main town. The locality falls within the Kangaroo Island Council local government area. With a population of 95 residents in the 2021 Census, Vivonne Bay is one of the island's most celebrated destinations, covering a substantial 134 square kilometres that encompasses beach, farmland, and protected conservation park land.

Vivonne Bay is best known for its sweeping 6-kilometre U-shaped beach, which has previously been voted Australia's best beach, drawing visitors from across the country for swimming, surfing, beach fishing, and cray fishing. Two rivers — the Harriet and the Eleanor — flow through the locality and discharge into the bay, and the nearby dune system known as Little Sahara lies close to the locality's eastern boundary. The Vivonne Bay Conservation Park protects stretches of the coastline, while a council-operated campground provides a base for visitors seeking an extended island experience. Basic supplies are available at a local general store, with Kingscote providing fuller services.

Vivonne Bay falls under postcode 5223 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5223
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.81°, 137.54°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
134.37 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SeaLink/Peninsula Coaches island shuttle — Kingscote / Penneshaw Ferry Terminal Approx 55 min to Kingscote

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
174 km
By Train
No direct train service. Island accessible via SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis (2.5 hrs ferry), then road to Adelaide.
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hrs including ferry crossing
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5-4 hrs including ferry crossing

🛣️ Cape Jervis is ~90 min drive from Adelaide CBD. SeaLink ferry runs multiple times daily. Vivonne Bay is the most remote of the main island localities; a car is essential on the island.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Vivonne Bay has a small general store but otherwise relies entirely on Kingscote for services; a car is essential for all but the most basic needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
95
▲ 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 Vivonne Bay known for? +

Vivonne Bay is famous for its stunning 6-kilometre U-shaped beach, which has previously been voted Australia's best beach. The locality is also known for its cray fishing, the Little Sahara sand dunes nearby, the Vivonne Bay Conservation Park, and a campground that makes it a popular base for Kangaroo Island visitors.

How far is Vivonne Bay from Adelaide? +

Vivonne Bay is approximately 174 kilometres south-west of Adelaide. Travel involves a drive to Cape Jervis (about 90 minutes from Adelaide), the SeaLink ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island, and then approximately 55 kilometres of road to Vivonne Bay — making the total journey around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Does Vivonne Bay have public transport? +

Kangaroo Island has no passenger rail service. Limited island shuttle buses operate between Penneshaw, American River, and Kingscote, mainly in connection with ferry services. Vivonne Bay, on the island's south coast, is not served by regular public transport; a car is essential.

What is the population of Vivonne Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Vivonne Bay has a population of 95 residents. The locality is significantly larger in terms of land area (134 sq km) than its population suggests, as much of the land is devoted to agriculture and conservation.

Is Vivonne Bay a good place to live? +

Vivonne Bay offers an exceptional natural environment and a deeply peaceful island lifestyle, making it highly attractive to those seeking to live close to nature. The remoteness and reliance on the SeaLink ferry for off-island travel means it suits those who genuinely embrace the pace of Kangaroo Island life, with Kingscote available for most services.

What is the postcode for Vivonne Bay? +

The postcode for Vivonne Bay is 5223, shared with Emu Bay and other Kangaroo Island localities.