🔍

Padthaway

SA 5271 • South Australia

321
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
355.69 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralWine CountryAgriculturalRemote

About Padthaway

Padthaway is a small rural locality situated on the Riddoch Highway in South Australia's Limestone Coast region, approximately 300 kilometres south of Adelaide within the Tatiara Council area. With a 2021 Census population of 321 residents spread across 355 square kilometres, it is a thinly settled agricultural community in the heart of one of the state's most productive wine-growing regions. The locality gives its name to the broader Padthaway wine region, which encompasses over 4,000 hectares of vineyards stretching 62 kilometres along the highway corridor.

The Padthaway wine region was pioneered in the 1960s when major producers including Seppelts, Lindemans, Hardys, and Wynns established large commercial vineyards, capitalising on the region's fertile red-brown earth soils and reliable groundwater. Today the area is known for premium cool-climate Shiraz and Chardonnay. The local community has a primary school, sporting facilities, and community halls, while the larger towns of Keith (about 50 kilometres north) and Naracoorte provide wider services. Life in Padthaway is quiet and agricultural, suited to those who value wide open spaces and a close-knit country community.

Padthaway falls under postcode 5271 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mackillop electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5271
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Mackillop
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-36.79°, 140.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
355.69 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Keith / Adelaide Approx. 45 min to Keith; 3+ hrs to Adelaide

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs 45 min – 3 hrs

🛣️ Access via Riddoch Highway and Dukes Highway. Car essential; long distance from major centres.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Padthaway is a rural locality with minimal walkable services; all daily errands require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
321
▲ 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 Padthaway known for? +

Padthaway is best known as a prominent Australian wine region, with over 4,000 hectares of vineyards producing premium cool-climate Shiraz and Chardonnay. Major producers including Seppelts, Lindemans, Hardys, and Wynns have operated here since the 1960s.

How far is Padthaway from Adelaide? +

Padthaway is approximately 300 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD, around a 3 hour drive via the Dukes Highway and Riddoch Highway.

Does Padthaway have public transport? +

Padthaway has no rail service and very limited public transport. There are occasional regional coach services toward Keith and Adelaide, but a private vehicle is essential for day-to-day life.

What is the population of Padthaway? +

According to the 2021 Census, Padthaway has a population of 321 residents. It is a small rural locality covering approximately 356 square kilometres in South Australia's Limestone Coast region.

Is Padthaway a good place to live? +

Padthaway is ideal for those who embrace a quiet agricultural lifestyle and enjoy being surrounded by vineyards and wide open South Australian countryside. Everyday services are limited locally, with Keith and Naracoorte providing the nearest larger facilities, so it suits self-sufficient country living.

What is the postcode for Padthaway? +

The postcode for Padthaway, South Australia is 5271.