🔍

American River

SA 5221 • South Australia

280
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.82 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalSeasideQuietHistoricRural
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About American River

American River is a small coastal locality on the north-eastern shore of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, situated within the Kangaroo Island Council area approximately 30 kilometres from the island's main town of Kingscote. The locality covers just 1.8 square kilometres and had a population of 280 at the 2021 Census, reflecting its character as a quiet, tight-knit seaside village. The area takes its name from a group of American sealers who camped here in 1803 and constructed a schooner from local timber — one of the earliest European settlements in South Australia.

American River sits on a sheltered estuary ideal for fishing, birdwatching, and peaceful walks along the foreshore, making it popular with nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life. The locality offers basic amenities including accommodation, a small general store, and waterfront dining, while the broader Kangaroo Island experience — wildlife sanctuaries, Flinders Chase National Park, and pristine beaches — is within easy reach. Access to Kangaroo Island is via the Sealink ferry service from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, around a 45-minute crossing.

American River falls under postcode 5221 and is governed by the Kangaroo Island Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Mayo, while state elections fall under the Mawson electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5221
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Kangaroo Island
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.79°, 137.72°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.82 km²
Population Density
154 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5221

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5221 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$40,285
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$49,930

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5221; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Peninsula Coaches shuttle — Kingscote / Penneshaw 20-40 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
No train service; Sealink ferry from Cape Jervis (~45 min crossing) then drive
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs total (including ferry)
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hrs total (including ferry)

🛣️ Access via Sealink ferry from Cape Jervis; Cape Jervis is ~90 km south of Adelaide CBD

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small island village where a car is essential; limited local services mean most shopping requires travel to Kingscote

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
280
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American River known for? +

American River is known for its sheltered estuary, excellent fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. It also holds historical significance as the site where American sealers built one of Australia's earliest colonial vessels in 1803.

How far is American River from Adelaide? +

American River is approximately 115 kilometres from Adelaide, though access requires a ferry crossing from Cape Jervis. Total travel time including the ferry is around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Does American River have public transport? +

Kangaroo Island has no rail service. Peninsula Coaches operates a shuttle bus connecting American River with Kingscote and Penneshaw, though services are limited and a car is strongly recommended.

What is the population of American River? +

American River had a population of 280 residents at the 2021 Census, making it one of the smaller communities on Kangaroo Island. The locality covers just 1.8 square kilometres along the sheltered eastern shore.

Is American River a good place to live? +

American River is ideal for those seeking a tranquil island lifestyle surrounded by nature, with the estuary, national parks, and wildlife at the doorstep. It suits retirees, nature enthusiasts, and those who value privacy and peace, though its remote island location means limited services and a reliance on the ferry for mainland access.

What is the postcode for American River? +

The postcode for American River is 5221.