🔍

Wallaroo

SA 5556 • Rest of SA

3,699
Population (2021)
$46,384
Median Household Income
44.17 km²
Area
$245/wk
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricRetirement-FriendlyAffordableRegional

About Wallaroo

Wallaroo is a historic port town on the western coast of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, 160 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. With a population of around 3,700, it forms part of the famous Copper Triangle alongside Kadina and Moonta, collectively known as "Little Cornwall" for their shared copper mining heritage dating back to 1851. The predominantly older population skews towards retirees, with the 60-69 age group being the most common demographic.

Life in Wallaroo centres on its working grain port, beautiful Spencer Gulf beaches, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. The town offers a solid range of local amenities including shops, a hospital, and recreational facilities. Tourism plays an important role, with visitors drawn to fishing, swimming, and the historic jetty precinct. Wallaroo attracts sea-changers, retirees, and holiday-home buyers looking for an affordable coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community and heritage.

Wallaroo falls under postcode 5556 and is governed by Copper Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narungga electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5556
Urban Area
Copper Coast - Barunga West
LGA / Council
Copper Coast
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Narungga
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.94°, 137.62°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
44.17 km²
Elevation
20m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$245
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,169
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
57 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.5%

82 state housing + 21 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Yorke Peninsula Coaches — Adelaide Central Bus Station 2h 30min
  • Local on-demand — Kadina & Moonta 10-20 min

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
160 km
By Bus
2h 30min
By Car (Peak)
2h
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 50min

🛣️ Yorke Peninsula Coaches run twice daily to Adelaide; Kadina is 8km east and Moonta 18km south. Most residents rely on private vehicles.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre and foreshore area are walkable but a car is needed for most errands and trips to neighbouring towns

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,481
Census 2021
3,699
▲ 6.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,660
Personal Income 2021
$26,312
▲ 11.2% 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
$26,312 / yr
$506/wk
Household
$46,384 / yr
$892/wk
Family
$60,008 / yr
$1154/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,068
Born Overseas 349

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 155
  • 2. New Zealand 24
  • 3. Netherlands 23
  • 4. Scotland 21
  • 5. Italy 15
  • 6. South Africa 14
  • 7. Greece 12
  • 8. Philippines 10
  • 9. India 9
  • 10. United States 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,683
English 1,664
Scottish 292
German 254
Irish 227
Australian Aboriginal 96
Italian 75
Dutch 65
Greek 45
Welsh 24

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,619
Both parents born in Australia
482
Both parents born overseas
321
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.9%
Christianity
42.2%
Buddhism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
146 (3.9%)
5-14 years
331 (8.9%)
15-19 years
138 (3.7%)
20-24 years
126 (3.4%)
25-34 years
242 (6.5%)
35-44 years
323 (8.7%)
45-54 years
409 (11.1%)
55-64 years
677 (18.3%)
65-74 years
759 (20.5%)
75-84 years
425 (11.5%)
85+ years
122 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wallaroo known for? +

Wallaroo is a historic port town on the western coast of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, 160 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. Life in Wallaroo centres on its working grain port, beautiful Spencer Gulf beaches, and relaxed coastal lifestyle.

How far is Wallaroo from Adelaide CBD? +

Wallaroo is approximately 160 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 192-288 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Wallaroo have public transport? +

Wallaroo 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 Wallaroo? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wallaroo has a population of approximately 3,699 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Copper Coast (District Council) local government area.

Is Wallaroo a good place to live? +

Wallaroo is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Wallaroo? +

The postcode for Wallaroo, SA is 5556. This postcode covers Wallaroo and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Wallaroo? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Wallaroo is about $506 per week (around $26,300 per year). The median household income is $892 per week and the median family income is $1,154 per week.

What is the age profile of Wallaroo? +

The median age in Wallaroo is 57. The largest age group is 65–74 (759 residents, around 21%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 35% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Wallaroo? +

In Wallaroo, the median weekly rent is $245, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,169 (2021 Census).