Onkaparinga Hills, South Australia

Onkaparinga Hills South Australia
Spriggs Road
Population:	2,693 (2006 Census)
Established:	1840s
Postcode:	5163
Location:	33.5 km (21 mi) from Adelaide
LGA:	City of Onkaparinga
State District:	Mawson, Reynell
Federal Division:	Kingston
Suburbs around Onkaparinga Hills: Morphett Vale Woodcroft Happy Valley Hackham Onkaparinga Hills Clarendon McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Blewitt Springs

Onkaparinga Hills is a southern suburb of Adelaide, in the City of Onkaparinga. It covers and area of approx. 22 km² or 2164 hectares.^[1] It has a population of 2693 people (2006 Census).^[2] It's a leafy suburb that encompasses parts of the Onkaparinga River, Onkaparinga River National Park and the Onkaparinga River Recreational Park.^[3]

Nearly 60% of families in the area are couples with children, compared to an Australian average of 45.3%. The median rent in 2006 was $230.^[4] The current median cost of a home in the area is $390 000.^[5] 93.5% of people speak English only at home (Australian average 78.5%) and 91% are Australian citizens compared to the Australian average of 86.1%.^[6]

History

Prior to European colonisation, the area was inhabited by the Kaurna people.^[7] The name Onkaparinga is derived from the Kaurna word ngankiparrinnga, meaning ‘The Women’s River’.^[8]

European settlement dates from the 1840s. Most of the settlers were initially farmers, with vineyards later being established. After the war^{[clarification needed]} there was significant development and again in the early 1990s. The population is now relatively stable. There are still sections of the area used for vineyards, farming and grazing.^[9]

Notes

1. ^ Bonzle.com [10]
2. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics [11]
3. ^ City of Onkaparinga Council Website [12]
4. ^ Aboriginal Culture and History, City of Onkaparinga Council Website [13]
5. ^ History Overview, City of Onkaparinga Council Website [14]
6. ^ Domain Suburb Profile, Domain.com [15]
7. ^ History of the Population, City of Onkaparinga Council Website [16]

Coordinates: 35°08′49″S 138°33′04″E / 35.147°S 138.551°E / -35.147; 138.551