Family-friendly Regional Suburb Around South Australia

These South Australian postcodes are enticing young families to ditch city life in favour of more space, better value for money and a simpler lifestyle. Here are six of the state’s most family-friendly locations to call home.

Mount Barker

Nestled in the scenic Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker is bounded by rolling green landscapes and gives residents an idyllic country escape, while being just 30 minutes from the city centre. The region has become one of the fastest growing in South Australia, prized for its stunning scenery, quaint villages, and proximity to prestigious schools. Along tree-lined Gawler Street you’ll find popular local cafes and boutique shops, while families have access to sports fields, lush parks and Saturday morning farmers’ markets. Mount Barker has a wide choice of property, with established homes as well as house and land packages within active and connected estates.

Berri

The hub of South Australia’s Riverland, charming Berri rests on the banks of the Murray and is framed by vineyards and orchards with some of Australia’s largest (and oldest) wine production facilities. Its colonial town is home to plenty of shops, supermarkets and fantastic restaurants, where you can taste the region’s delicious farm-fresh produce. Kids will love Monash Adventure Park with its flying fox, mini basketball and maze. Families can get out on the water at Katarapko – a great spot for canoeing and kayaking – or go horse riding through nearby Benson Park.  Within Berri there is a primary and secondary school and good community services including a swimming pool, gyms and sports facilities.

Gawler

Steeped in history, the suburb of Gawler was established as South Australia’s first country town. It lies on the cusp of world-famous Barossa Valley and 45 minutes north of Adelaide. The area has seen significant growth over the past decade with citysiders enamoured bit its relaxed, community-centric lifestyle. It is now one of the fastest growing suburbs in South Australia. Gawler has beautiful parklands, with plenty of open space, playgrounds and sporting clubs. There are several public and private schools in the area, along with preschools and playgroups catering to younger families. In town, you’ll find excellent cafes, restaurants and pubs adding to the neighbourly vibe.

Stansbury

The Yorke Peninsula is experiencing a property boom with some of the fastest growing suburbs in Australia, yet still represents excellent value for young families. Located 200km west of Adelaide, on stunning Gulf St Vincent, Stansbury is a picturesque, tranquil town with a slow pace and strong heart. Properties here, sit on large blocks of land, many with impressive water views. There are a good mix of local schools, calm waters for days by the beach and a handful of shops, catering to your everyday needs. Stretch your legs on the clifftop Walk the York coastal trail, relax at pretty parks and scenic picnic spots and get among the community at the Stansbury Seaside Markets.

Goolwa Beach

Overlooking Encounter Bay, Goolwa Beach is a charming coastal suburb that has become a popular sea change destination among young house hunters. Affordability is driving the trend, with families being able to nab spacious homes within a peaceful and holiday-esq neighbourhood. Goolwa’s beaches are pristine, while the Coorong is an aquatic playground for boating, kayaking and fishing. Families have access to high quality primary and secondary schools, childcare centres and excellent playgrounds, including the nature-themed Bristow Smith Reserve. Locals gather at the bustling wharf precinct, where bimonthly markets stock everything from fresh produce to arts and antiques.

Port Noarlunga

The historic township of Port Noarlunga is an easy 30-minute drive from central Adelaide but will feel as though you are a world away. It has Gulf St Vincent on one side and Onkaparinga River Naitonal Park on the other, giving families endless opportunities to be among nature. Follow scenic walking trails to glistening rock pools, throw a line off the jetty and go snorkelling off its sandy beach. There’s a handful of cafes, restaurants and shops within the village and Colonnades shopping mall close by. Families can make the most of beautiful green spaces and playgrounds, good choice in local schools and the gourmet delights of McLaren Vale just 10 minutes away.