Carpenter Rocks

SA 5291 • South Australia

87
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
42.67 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteRuralPeacefulHistoric
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About Carpenter Rocks

Carpenter Rocks is a small coastal locality in the far south-east of South Australia, situated approximately 35 kilometres south-west of Mount Gambier within the District Council of Grant. With a population of just 87 residents according to the 2021 Census, it is a quiet, close-knit community set along the rugged Southern Ocean coastline. The postcode area has a median taxable income of $56,313 and the locality spans a generous 42.67 square kilometres of coastal and pastoral land.

The area is renowned for its exceptional rock lobster fishing industry, with Bucks Bay providing a safe harbour for local fishing boats. Carpenter Rocks holds significant maritime heritage, most notably the 1859 wreck of the passenger steamer Admella off Cape Banks, and the heritage-listed Cape Banks Lighthouse. The locality serves as a gateway to Canunda National Park and offers rugged coastal scenery that attracts anglers, divers, and nature lovers seeking a remote seaside escape.

Carpenter Rocks falls under postcode 5291 and is governed by the Grant Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Barker, while state elections fall under the Mount Gambier electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5291
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-37.93°, 140.72°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
42.67 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5291

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5291, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$48,050
Median 2023–24
$56,313
17.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,410

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5291; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • None — No public bus service to Carpenter Rocks N/A

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
450 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-4.5 hours

🛣️ Mount Gambier (35 km) is the nearest major town for services and fuel

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote coastal locality with no shops or services; a car is essential for all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
87
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carpenter Rocks known for? +

Carpenter Rocks is best known for its thriving southern rock lobster fishing industry, the heritage-listed Cape Banks Lighthouse, and the historic 1859 Admella shipwreck off Cape Banks, one of Australia's worst maritime disasters.

How far is Carpenter Rocks from Mount Gambier? +

Carpenter Rocks is approximately 35 kilometres south-west of Mount Gambier, about a 25-minute drive via the Carpenter Rocks Road.

Does Carpenter Rocks have public transport? +

No, Carpenter Rocks has no public transport services. A private vehicle is essential for getting around. Mount Gambier, the nearest major town, has a local city bus service.

What is the population of Carpenter Rocks? +

According to the 2021 Census, Carpenter Rocks has a population of 87 residents, making it a very small coastal community in South Australia's south-east.

Is Carpenter Rocks a good place to live? +

Carpenter Rocks suits those seeking a remote, peaceful coastal lifestyle with outstanding fishing and natural scenery. It is very car-dependent and residents rely on Mount Gambier for shops, schools, and services.

What is the postcode for Carpenter Rocks? +

The postcode for Carpenter Rocks, South Australia is 5291.