🔍

Willunga

SA 5172 • Greater Adelaide

2,445
Population (2021)
$40,560
Median Income
21.27 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricVillage FeelLeafyCafe Culture

About Willunga

Willunga is a historic rural township on the southern edge of the McLaren Vale wine region, approximately 45 kilometres south of Adelaide CBD within the City of Onkaparinga. With a population of 2,445 and a median age of 47, Willunga has the feel of an established semi-rural community spread across 21 square kilometres on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The median household income of around $1,681 per week reflects a comfortable mix of local residents, tradespeople, and professionals who have chosen the region for its lifestyle and proximity to Adelaide.

Willunga is celebrated for its heritage bluestone buildings along High Street, its popular Saturday Farmers Market, and its position at the heart of South Australia's premier wine and olive-growing country. The suburb is perhaps best known internationally as the finishing location of the iconic Willunga Hill stage of the Santos Tour Down Under cycling race. Residents enjoy a genuine country-town character with access to McLaren Vale's renowned restaurants, cellar doors, and scenic Fleurieu drives. Public transport is limited — a car is essential — but the Southern Expressway provides a reasonably direct link to Adelaide for commuters.

Willunga falls under postcode 5172 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5172
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Onkaparinga
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.27°, 138.57°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
21.27 km²
Elevation
156m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro Route 751 — Noarlunga Centre (Seaford Meadows interchange) 25-35 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
45 km
By Train
No direct train; connect to Seaford Rail Extension at Noarlunga Centre (~50 min total to Adelaide City)
By Car (Peak)
45-60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ The Southern Expressway (M2) provides the main link north to Adelaide. Car is the most practical transport option for most residents.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The historic High Street village is walkable within the town centre, but a car is essential for most shopping, commuting, and access to services beyond Willunga.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,683
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

4 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,308
Census 2021
2,445
▲ 5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,372
Income 2021
$40,560
▲ 18.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,859
Born Overseas 495

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 297
  • 2. Scotland 32
  • 3. New Zealand 28
  • 4. South Africa 15
  • 5. United States 15
  • 6. Germany 14
  • 7. Wales 13
  • 8. Netherlands 9
  • 9. Canada 6
  • 10. Italy 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,303
Australian 943
Scottish 319
Irish 228
German 217
Dutch 70
Italian 54
Welsh 43
French 28
Australian Aboriginal 27

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,359
Both parents born in Australia
619
Both parents born overseas
373
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
60.4%
Christianity
32.3%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
97 (4.0%)
5-14 years
342 (14.0%)
15-19 years
137 (5.6%)
20-24 years
105 (4.3%)
25-34 years
165 (6.7%)
35-44 years
292 (11.9%)
45-54 years
373 (15.3%)
55-64 years
365 (14.9%)
65-74 years
348 (14.2%)
75-84 years
175 (7.2%)
85+ years
46 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willunga known for? +

Willunga is known for its historic bluestone architecture, its Saturday Farmers Market, and its position in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine and olive-growing region. It is also famous as the finish location of the Willunga Hill stage of the Santos Tour Down Under cycling race.

How far is Willunga from Adelaide CBD? +

Willunga is approximately 45 kilometres south of Adelaide CBD, a drive of around 35-60 minutes depending on traffic via the Southern Expressway (M2).

Does Willunga have public transport? +

Willunga is served by Adelaide Metro bus routes connecting it to Noarlunga Centre, where residents can connect to the Seaford Rail Extension into Adelaide. Services are limited and a car is the most practical transport option for most residents.

What is the population of Willunga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Willunga has a population of 2,445 residents, with a median age of 47 reflecting a mature, established community.

Is Willunga a good place to live? +

Willunga is ideal for those who value a relaxed rural lifestyle, historic character, and proximity to the McLaren Vale wine country, while remaining within reasonable commuting distance of Adelaide. It suits families, retirees, and creatives looking for an authentic country-town feel without sacrificing access to amenities.

What is the postcode for Willunga? +

The postcode for Willunga, SA is 5172.