Hindmarsh Island

SA 5214 • Rest of SA

1,846
Population (2021)
$58,396
Median Household Income
66.71 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
WaterfrontRuralHoliday-DestinationHistoricRetirement-Friendly

About Hindmarsh Island

Hindmarsh Island is a river island located in the lower Murray River near the town of Goolwa, approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Adelaide in South Australia. With a population of around 1,400, it is a unique residential and holiday destination within the Alexandrina District Council. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge opened in 2001, and is known for its rich Aboriginal and European history. The landscape features flat farmland, marina developments, and waterfront properties along the Murray River and Goolwa Channel.

The island offers a distinctive waterfront lifestyle, particularly in the marina precinct where residents can moor boats at their own jetties. From the island, boating access extends to the Coorong, the Murray Mouth, and upstream along the River Murray. Hindmarsh Island is popular with retirees, sea-changers, and holiday-home owners seeking a tranquil riverside setting. While amenities on the island are limited, the nearby town of Goolwa provides shops, cafés, restaurants, and essential services just minutes across the bridge.

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

📍 Location

Postcode
5214
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.52°, 138.88°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
66.71 km²
Elevation
4m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,365
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
60 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • LinkSA — Goolwa township 10 min
  • 751 — Victor Harbor 30-40 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
N/A (no nearby train station)
By Bus
Not practical (no direct service)
By Car (Peak)
75-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-80 min (via South Road / Southern Expressway)

🛣️ Very limited public transport; car is essential. Nearest major centre is Victor Harbor (30 min drive)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Car essential for all errands; the island has no shops or services — Goolwa township across the bridge is the nearest service centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,398
Census 2021
1,846
32.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,844
Personal Income 2021
$30,212
16.9% 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
$30,212 / yr
$581/wk
Household
$58,396 / yr
$1123/wk
Family
$66,404 / yr
$1277/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,353
Born Overseas 400

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 224
  • 2. New Zealand 25
  • 3. Scotland 19
  • 4. Netherlands 11
  • 5. Italy 10
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. China 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. Philippines 6
  • 10. India 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,017
Australian 634
Scottish 217
Irish 200
German 140
Dutch 36
Italian 31
Welsh 17
Polish 15
Filipino 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,070
Both parents born in Australia
488
Both parents born overseas
193
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.1%
Christianity
41.4%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
48 (2.6%)
5-14 years
158 (8.6%)
15-19 years
67 (3.6%)
20-24 years
40 (2.2%)
25-34 years
110 (6.0%)
35-44 years
140 (7.6%)
45-54 years
179 (9.7%)
55-64 years
356 (19.3%)
65-74 years
492 (26.7%)
75-84 years
205 (11.1%)
85+ years
37 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hindmarsh Island known for? +

Hindmarsh Island is a river island located in the lower Murray River near the town of Goolwa, approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Adelaide in South Australia. With a population of around 1,400, it is a unique residential and holiday destination within the Alexandrina District Council.

How far is Hindmarsh Island from Adelaide CBD? +

Hindmarsh Island is approximately 100 km from Adelaide CBD. By car, the journey takes around 70-80 min (via South Road / Southern Expressway) off-peak and 75-90 min during peak hours.

Does Hindmarsh Island have public transport? +

Hindmarsh Island is served by bus routes connecting to Goolwa township, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Hindmarsh Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Hindmarsh Island has a population of approximately 1,846 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Alexandrina (District Council).

Is Hindmarsh Island a good place to live? +

Hindmarsh Island suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Hindmarsh Island? +

The postcode for Hindmarsh Island, SA is 5214.

What is the average income in Hindmarsh Island? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Hindmarsh Island is about $581 per week (around $30,200 per year). The median household income is $1,123 per week and the median family income is $1,277 per week.

What is the age profile of Hindmarsh Island? +

The median age in Hindmarsh Island is 60. The largest age group is 65–74 (492 residents, around 27%). Around 15% of residents are under 20 and about 40% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Hindmarsh Island? +

In Hindmarsh Island, the median weekly rent is $330, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,365 (2021 Census).