🔍

Goolwa Beach

SA 5214 • Rest of SA

2,222
Population (2021)
$47,632
Median Household Income
4.04 km²
Area
$275/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachfrontRetireesHoliday DestinationMurray Mouth

About Goolwa Beach

Goolwa Beach is a coastal suburb located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, approximately 83 kilometres south of Adelaide at the mouth of the Murray River. With a population of around 2,220 residents, this beachside community has an older demographic (median age 60+) and high home ownership at 72%. The suburb forms part of the greater Goolwa township, a historic river port town.

The suburb offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with direct access to an 18-kilometre stretch of pristine beach extending from Middleton to the Murray Mouth. Residents enjoy beach activities, pipi collecting, whale watching in winter, and proximity to the charming Goolwa township with its cafes, galleries, and heritage attractions. Popular with retirees, sea-changers, and holiday homeowners seeking the quintessential South Australian beach lifestyle.

Goolwa Beach falls under postcode 5214 and is governed by Alexandrina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Finniss electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5214
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Alexandrina
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Finniss
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.51°, 138.76°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
4.04 km²
Elevation
18m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$275
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
58 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.5%

7 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Goolwa (Steam Railway)
2 km
25 min
Seaford Interchange
50 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • 1251 — Adelaide CBD 1 hr 45 min
  • Local — Goolwa Township 5-10 min

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
83 km
By Bus
1 hr 45 min
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr

🛣️ LinkSA bus service operates twice daily; train connection via Seaford

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Beach access on foot; car needed for shopping and services in Goolwa township

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,128
Census 2021
2,222
▲ 4.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,972
Personal Income 2021
$27,300
▲ 13.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$27,300 / yr
$525/wk
Household
$47,632 / yr
$916/wk
Family
$61,984 / yr
$1192/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,713
Born Overseas 388

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 221
  • 2. Netherlands 22
  • 3. New Zealand 19
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. Wales 11
  • 6. Scotland 9
  • 7. South Africa 9
  • 8. Philippines 8
  • 9. India 5
  • 10. Ireland 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,123
Australian 836
Scottish 242
German 212
Irish 177
Dutch 53
Australian Aboriginal 34
Italian 32
Welsh 24
New Zealander 20

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,360
Both parents born in Australia
463
Both parents born overseas
290
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.8%
Christianity
36.9%
Buddhism
1.4%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
78 (3.5%)
5-14 years
201 (9.0%)
15-19 years
86 (3.9%)
20-24 years
60 (2.7%)
25-34 years
151 (6.8%)
35-44 years
195 (8.8%)
45-54 years
242 (10.9%)
55-64 years
347 (15.6%)
65-74 years
466 (21.0%)
75-84 years
294 (13.2%)
85+ years
95 (4.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goolwa Beach known for? +

Goolwa Beach is known for its long, beautiful surf beach at the mouth of the Murray River. The area is popular for fishing, swimming, and water sports, and is close to the historic port town of Goolwa with its paddle steamer heritage and Hindmarsh Island bridge.

How far is Goolwa Beach from Adelaide? +

Goolwa Beach is approximately 85-90 kilometres south of Adelaide, with a drive time of around 80-90 minutes via the Southern Expressway and Goolwa Road.

Does Goolwa Beach have public transport? +

Goolwa Beach has limited public transport. Bus services connect to Goolwa and Victor Harbor. A car is recommended for visiting or living in Goolwa Beach.

What is the population of Goolwa Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Goolwa Beach has a population of approximately 2,222 residents within the Alexandrina Council local government area.

Is Goolwa Beach a good place to live? +

Goolwa Beach is ideal for retirees and lifestyle seekers who want beachfront living at the Murray River mouth with easy access to Goolwa's dining, heritage attractions, and river activities. The area is also popular as a holiday destination.

What is the postcode for Goolwa Beach? +

The postcode for Goolwa Beach is 5214.

What is the average income in Goolwa Beach? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Goolwa Beach is about $525 per week (around $27,300 per year). The median household income is $916 per week and the median family income is $1,192 per week.

What is the age profile of Goolwa Beach? +

The median age in Goolwa Beach is 58. The largest age group is 65–74 (466 residents, around 21%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 38% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Goolwa Beach? +

In Goolwa Beach, the median weekly rent is $275, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083 (2021 Census).