🔍

Waikerie

SA 5330 • Rest of SA

2,681
Population (2021)
$30,212
Median Income
70.64 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalRiversideRemoteAffordable

About Waikerie

Waikerie is a rural town in South Australia's Riverland region, situated on the south bank of the Murray River approximately 173 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, within the District Council of Loxton Waikerie. The town has a population of around 2,681 spread across a large 70 square kilometre locality, with a median age of 49 reflecting its mature, regional community. Median weekly household incomes of around $954 are below the state average, typical of agricultural and horticultural towns in the Riverland where seasonal work and primary industries are the economic backbone.

Waikerie is well-known for its citrus, stone fruit, and grape growing, and the surrounding horticultural landscape defines the town's identity. The area is also nationally recognised as one of Australia's premier gliding destinations, with the Waikerie Gliding Club attracting enthusiasts from around the country and internationally. A cable ferry crosses the Murray River to provide access from the north, and the Sturt Highway passes to the south of the town. Local amenities include a hospital, schools, and essential services, with residents travelling to Berri or Renmark (about 79 km east) for more extensive shopping and healthcare.

Waikerie falls under postcode 5330 and is governed by Loxton Waikerie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Chaffey electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5330
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Loxton Waikerie
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Chaffey
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.22°, 139.98°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
70.64 km²
Elevation
45m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Stateliner coach service — Adelaide CBD (Central Bus Station) Approx. 2.5-3 hours

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
173 km
By Train
No train service; Stateliner coach available
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min - 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min - 2 hr

🛣️ Sturt Highway provides direct road access to Adelaide; cable ferry connects north bank of Murray River

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for local errands, but a car is essential for most trips beyond the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    1 White Street Waikerie 5330 SA

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7%

51 state housing + 28 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,684
Census 2021
2,681
▼ 0.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,208
Income 2021
$30,212
▲ 15.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,142
Born Overseas 344

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 85
  • 2. India 64
  • 3. Malaysia 44
  • 4. New Zealand 23
  • 5. Fiji 10
  • 6. Germany 10
  • 7. Indonesia 10
  • 8. Scotland 9
  • 9. Vietnam 8
  • 10. Italy 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,075
English 1,012
German 444
Scottish 191
Irish 142
Australian Aboriginal 67
Italian 64
Indian 52
Dutch 32
Chinese 24

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,874
Both parents born in Australia
459
Both parents born overseas
159
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.3%
No Religion
40.6%
Sikhism
2.9%
Islam
1.6%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
149 (5.6%)
5-14 years
282 (10.5%)
15-19 years
135 (5.0%)
20-24 years
118 (4.4%)
25-34 years
284 (10.6%)
35-44 years
247 (9.2%)
45-54 years
283 (10.6%)
55-64 years
338 (12.6%)
65-74 years
454 (16.9%)
75-84 years
263 (9.8%)
85+ years
135 (5.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waikerie known for? +

Waikerie is known for its significant citrus, stone fruit, and grape-growing industry in the Murray Riverland, as well as being one of Australia's premier gliding destinations. The Waikerie Gliding Club hosts national and international competitions, attracting visitors from around the world. The town is also notable for its Murray River setting and the historic cable ferry crossing.

How far is Waikerie from Adelaide? +

Waikerie is approximately 173 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, typically a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour 15 minute drive via the Sturt Highway.

Does Waikerie have public transport? +

Waikerie is served by the Stateliner coach service connecting the Riverland to Adelaide's Central Bus Station, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. There is no passenger rail service in the region, and a car is the most practical means of transport for local and regional travel.

What is the population of Waikerie? +

The Waikerie statistical area has a population of approximately 2,681 according to the 2021 Census, with a median age of 49. The town itself is the main service centre for the surrounding rural and horticultural district.

Is Waikerie a good place to live? +

Waikerie suits those who value a rural lifestyle on the Murray River with a close-knit community and affordable housing. It is particularly appealing to those involved in agriculture or horticulture, gliding enthusiasts, and retirees seeking a quiet regional town, though the distance from Adelaide means limited access to city services.

What is the postcode for Waikerie? +

The postcode for Waikerie, SA is 5330.