🔍

Dawesley

SA 5252 • South Australia

316
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
7.10 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralAdelaide HillsPeacefulSemi-Rural

About Dawesley

Dawesley is a small historic locality in the Adelaide Hills, situated approximately 40 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD within the Mount Barker District Council area. The village sits on Dawesley Creek, a tributary of the Bremer River, along the old Princes Highway between Nairne and Kanmantoo, covering a compact area of around 7.1 square kilometres. With a population of 316 at the 2021 Census, Dawesley is a quiet rural community with a median household income above the state average, reflecting the lifestyle appeal that draws residents to the Adelaide Hills.

Dawesley has a rich history stretching back to the 1850s, when the village was surveyed for workers at a copper refinery established on Dawesley Creek, and later associated with the Davies Bacon Factory — several of the original stone cottages from that era remain. Today the community retains much of its heritage character, with rural properties and historic buildings set amid gum trees and gently rolling hills. Nearby Nairne provides local shops and schools within about five kilometres, while the larger service hub of Mount Barker — one of South Australia's fastest-growing towns — is around ten kilometres away and offers supermarkets, medical services, and excellent road access to the Adelaide CBD.

Dawesley falls under postcode 5252 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kavel electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5252
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Kavel
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.04°, 138.95°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
7.10 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Mount Barker Station (Belair Line)
10 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro rural bus services via Nairne and Mount Barker — Mount Barker / Adelaide CBD Varies; ~60-75 min to Adelaide CBD by bus

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
Drive or bus to Mount Barker, then connecting services; direct train not available from Dawesley
By Car (Peak)
45 – 60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35 – 45 min

🛣️ Mount Barker is the main service hub ~10km away. Old Princes Highway and Mount Barker Road provide routes to the South Eastern Freeway and Adelaide CBD.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Dawesley is a small historic village with no retail precinct; residents rely entirely on private vehicles for shopping, services, and daily errands in Nairne or Mount Barker

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
316
▲ 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 Dawesley known for? +

Dawesley is known for its historic character dating to the 1850s, when the village was established to house workers at a copper refinery on Dawesley Creek. Original stone cottages and a peaceful rural atmosphere define the village today, set within the picturesque Adelaide Hills landscape.

How far is Dawesley from Adelaide? +

Dawesley is approximately 40 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD, roughly a 40–55 minute drive via the South Eastern Freeway and Mount Barker Road. The nearby town of Mount Barker, about 10 kilometres away, provides a well-connected gateway to Adelaide.

Does Dawesley have public transport? +

Dawesley itself has no dedicated public transport stop. Residents can access Adelaide Metro bus services via nearby Nairne (5km) and Mount Barker (10km), with connecting services to the Adelaide CBD. A private vehicle is essential for day-to-day living.

What is the population of Dawesley? +

Dawesley had a population of 316 people at the 2021 Census, across a compact area of approximately 7.1 square kilometres in the Mount Barker District Council area of South Australia.

Is Dawesley a good place to live? +

Dawesley appeals to those seeking a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle with strong historic character and easy access to Adelaide Hills amenities. Mount Barker's growing range of schools, shops, and services is just 10 kilometres away, making Dawesley a peaceful retreat within a practical commuting distance of Adelaide.

What is the postcode for Dawesley? +

The postcode for Dawesley, South Australia is 5252.