Wirrabara

SA 5481 • South Australia

353
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
224.65 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricFamily-Friendly

About Wirrabara

Wirrabara is a small rural locality in South Australia's mid-north, situated in the Southern Flinders Ranges approximately 200 kilometres north of Adelaide and 35 kilometres east of Port Pirie. The locality had a population of 353 in the 2021 Census and is set within a lush, hilly landscape characterised by pine plantations and native scrub. Wirrabara is known for the Wirrabara Forest, a significant softwood plantation that has been central to the region's forestry industry since the early 20th century. The area forms part of the Flinders Ranges Council local government area.

Life in Wirrabara revolves around its close-knit rural community and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and forest. The Wirrabara Forest offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking opportunities, making it a popular weekend destination for South Australians seeking nature escapes. Residents enjoy a quiet country lifestyle with access to basic amenities in nearby Wirrabara township, while larger services are available in Laura (23 km) and Port Pirie (35 km). The community is primarily made up of long-term rural families with ties to farming, forestry, and small business.

Wirrabara falls under postcode 5481 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5481
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.01°, 138.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
224.65 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach — Port Pirie / Adelaide Approx. 3.5 hours to Adelaide

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
200 km
By Train
No direct rail; nearest station at Port Pirie
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 2 hours 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 2 hours

🛣️ Primarily car-dependent. Port Pirie (~35 km) is the nearest large service centre.

Walkability Car Dependent

Small rural township; basic amenities accessible on foot locally but car required for most services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
353
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 Wirrabara known for? +

Wirrabara is best known for the Wirrabara Forest, a large softwood plantation managed for timber production. The forest is also popular for outdoor recreation including hiking and mountain biking.

How far is Wirrabara from Adelaide? +

Wirrabara is approximately 200 kilometres north of Adelaide, around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Augusta Highway. The nearest major town is Port Pirie, about 35 kilometres to the west.

What is the population of Wirrabara? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wirrabara had a population of 353 people, with a relatively even gender split. The community is predominantly long-term rural residents.

What outdoor activities are available near Wirrabara? +

The Wirrabara Forest offers walking trails, mountain biking tracks, and picnic areas. The nearby Southern Flinders Ranges provide opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.