Go South – Where opportunity meets lifestyle

Onkaparinga combines lifestyle, space, and affordability. With 518 square kilometres stretching from metropolitan Adelaide to the McLaren Vale wine region and 31 kilometres of coastline, the region offers scenic landscapes, vibrant communities, and convenient access to shops, schools, and services. This makes it an attractive location for residents, talent, and business owners.

Our region is a premier destination for tourism and business. McLaren Vale’s world-class wineries, pristine beaches, and diverse visitor experiences attract more than 1.2 million visitors annually, driving local jobs, spending, and economic growth. Onkaparinga’s combination of coast, vines, natural landscapes and lifestyle is rare in Australia and a key driver of investment opportunities.

Just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, and the gateway between Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula, Onkaparinga offers strong transport links, workforce accessibility, and industry-ready precincts. Lonsdale and surrounding areas provide industrial and employment land with infrastructure and workforce access, making the region a hub for industrial, logistics, and commercial activity.

Home to over 11,900 GST registered businesses across sectors including wine, advanced manufacturing, retail, tourism, healthcare, and construction, Onkaparinga has a resilient and evolving economy. Local entrepreneurship, population growth, and sector diversity create momentum and opportunity for investors and new businesses.

The council fosters a collaborative and future-ready environment through grants, mentoring, workshops, business awards, advocacy, and partnerships. Active business and tourism associations complement these programs, supporting business capability, innovation, networking, and growth.

Onkaparinga’s success is shaped by a strong sense of community and belonging. The region is home to an extensive network of sporting clubs, community centres, arts organisations, and volunteer groups that foster connection and inclusion. This social infrastructure supports wellbeing and active lifestyles, helping businesses attract and retain skilled employees who value a place where they can build both careers and community.

Entrepreneurship, collaboration, and civic pride are deeply embedded in the city’s identity, creating a culture where local businesses support one another and residents invest in their region’s success.

Onkaparinga’s striking landscapes, accessibility, and creative culture make it one of South Australia’s most sought-after filming locations. The region’s diverse settings from rugged coastlines and vineyards to heritage townships and vibrant mainstreets have featured in major Australian and international productions including The Boys are Back, December Boys, Storm Boy, Deadline Gallipoli, and Escape from Pretoria.

As part of South Australia’s film-friendly network, the City of Onkaparinga works closely with the South Australian Film Corporation to facilitate film and television productions of all scales. The region offers location variety, accessible permitting, and an exceptional year-round climate helping filmmakers capture stories that showcase the south’s unique character and natural beauty.

Onkaparinga balances economic growth with sustainability. Through initiatives such as coastal management, waste and resource recovery, and climate adaptation projects, the council ensures a resilient, responsible, and future-focused region.

Onkaparinga offers competitive commercial land, leasing, and utilities costs compared with other parts of Adelaide and the CBD. Lower overheads allow businesses to invest in growth, hire staff, and increase profitability while maintaining access to key metropolitan markets.

Our region benefits from a growing local workforce and proximity to Adelaide’s universities and training institutions. Onkaparinga businesses have access to apprenticeships, vocational programs, and industry partnerships, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent across advanced manufacturing, health, tourism, and agribusiness.

Attracting and retaining employees is easier in Onkaparinga thanks to a diverse range of housing options, excellent schools, and a clean, connected environment. Lifestyle advantages help businesses draw top talent and encourage long-term employee retention, creating a stable foundation for growth.

Lower operational costs, a ready workforce, and strong lifestyle appeal combine to give businesses a practical, sustainable advantage. Council’s active management of growth pressures, climate impacts, and infrastructure demand provides long-term certainty for investors.