🔍

Dismal Swamp

SA 5291 • South Australia

63
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
63.07 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralLimestone CoastAgriculturalScenicRegional SA

About Dismal Swamp

Dismal Swamp is a small rural locality in South Australia's Limestone Coast region, located approximately 17 km north of Mount Gambier and 361 km south-east of Adelaide. Despite its evocative name, the area is characterised by productive agricultural land and dense pine and native bush typical of the Limestone Coast, within the District Council of Grant local government area. The locality was formally established in 1999 and recorded a population of 63 at the 2021 census across its 63 sq km. The region receives above-average rainfall for South Australia at around 711 mm per year, supporting both dryland and irrigated farming.

The surrounding Limestone Coast landscape provides the backdrop for a quiet rural lifestyle, with nearby Mount Gambier offering the full range of urban services including shopping centres, hospitals, Blue Lake, and tertiary education. The locality attracts farming families and those drawn to the productive agricultural land, accessible bushwalking, and the renowned cave systems, volcanic lakes, and world-class wine regions of the broader Limestone Coast. Residents commute easily to Mount Gambier for work and services, making Dismal Swamp a practical choice for those who want rural space close to a regional city.

Dismal Swamp falls under postcode 5291 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mount Gambier electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5291
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Mount Gambier
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-37.93°, 140.72°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
63.07 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • School bus and community transport to Mount Gambier — Mount Gambier approx. 20–25 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
361 km
By Train
No train service to Dismal Swamp; Mount Gambier has no regular passenger rail
By Bus
National coach services from Mount Gambier to Adelaide (~5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
approx. 3 hrs 45 min to Adelaide via Princes Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 3 hrs 30 min to Adelaide via Princes Highway

🛣️ Mount Gambier (17 km, ~15–20 min by car) is the primary regional centre. Car is essential for all local travel.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Dismal Swamp is a rural locality with no local commercial services. All amenities are accessible from Mount Gambier, requiring a short car trip.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
63
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dismal Swamp known for? +

Dismal Swamp is a rural locality in the Limestone Coast district near Millicent, with a name reflecting its former character as wetland country now drained and used for pastoral farming.

How far is Dismal Swamp from Millicent? +

Dismal Swamp is approximately 20-30 kilometres from Millicent in the Wattle Range Council area of SA's south-east.

Does Dismal Swamp have public transport? +

Dismal Swamp has no public transport. Residents rely on private vehicles, with Millicent providing the nearest essential services.

What is the population of Dismal Swamp? +

According to the 2021 Census, Dismal Swamp has a population of approximately 63 residents within the Wattle Range Council local government area.

Is Dismal Swamp a good place to live? +

Dismal Swamp suits those with farming connections to the Limestone Coast. The area offers a quiet rural lifestyle in SA's south-east with access to Millicent's services and the region's agricultural community.

What is the postcode for Dismal Swamp? +

The postcode for Dismal Swamp is 5291.