🔍

Pata

SA 5333 • South Australia

81
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
183.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalOutbackHistoric

About Pata

Pata is a small locality and former town in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, situated about 15 kilometres south of Loxton along the Karoonda Highway. Originally surveyed as Muljarra in 1915 and renamed Pata in 1929 — an Aboriginal word meaning swamp gum trees — the settlement grew around the now-disused Loxton railway line. The 2021 census recorded a population of just 81 people, reflecting the sparsely settled nature of this arid farming district.

Pata's lifestyle is quintessentially outback South Australian — wide open spaces, a tight-knit farming community, and a pace of life governed by the seasons. The locality is surrounded by dryland cereal cropping and pastoral grazing properties, with the Murray River irrigation districts of Loxton nearby offering additional agricultural diversity. Residents rely on Loxton for schools, medical services, shopping and community facilities, making a car an absolute necessity.

Pata falls under postcode 5333 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Chaffey electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5333
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Chaffey
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.49°, 140.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
183.88 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SAPTrans regional services — Loxton ~20 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
220 km
By Train
No rail service; nearest station is Tailem Bend (~110 km)
By Bus
Limited regional coach services via Loxton (~3h 30min)
By Car (Peak)
~2h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~2h 15min

🛣️ Loxton (15 km) is the primary regional centre for daily needs.

Walkability Car-Dependent

A remote rural locality with no pedestrian infrastructure or local shops; private transport is essential.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
81
▲ 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 Pata known for? +

Pata is a small locality and former town in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, situated about 15 kilometres south of Loxton along the Karoonda Highway. Pata's lifestyle is quintessentially outback South Australian — wide open spaces, a tight-knit farming community, and a pace of life governed by the seasons.

How far is Pata from Adelaide CBD? +

Pata is approximately 15 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 18-27 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Pata have public transport? +

Pata has limited public transport options. The area is best accessed by private vehicle, with connections to larger regional centres for broader services.

What is the population of Pata? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pata has a population of approximately 81 residents, one of the smallest localities in the area. The suburb falls within the SA local government area.

Is Pata a good place to live? +

Pata suits those who prefer a quiet rural lifestyle away from urban areas. It offers open spaces and a close-knit community but limited local services — a car is essential for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Pata? +

The postcode for Pata, SA is 5333. This postcode covers Pata and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.