While geography makes Melrose a natural stopover point for grey nomads travelling across, or up, the country … the historic South Australia town has a lot more to recommend it than sheer convenience.
Known as the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges, Melrose sits beneath the imposing Mount Remarkable and boasts a fascinating history, some great camping, and an impressive range of walks and attractions.
The community of some 350 people is located about 70 kilometres south of Port Augusta, pretty much at the crossroads of the country.
However, the fact that it is surrounded by 100 kilometres or so of excellent mountain bike tracks means it is a magnet for cyclists, as well as long-term travellers.
Melrose is surrounded by beautiful countryside PIC: Tourism SA
In 1840, Edward Eyre became the first European to explore the area and he was eventually followed by pastoralists and then copper miners. In 1848, the first permanent police station in the region opened here.
Today, the best way to get to grips with the area’s past is to stroll around the town and drink it all in. Historic buildings and landmarks include the Goyder’s Line Marker, the War Memorial, the post office, the Mount Remarkable Hotel, and the cemetery.
Known as the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges, Melrose boasts many historic buildings PIC: Tourism SA
The Melrose Heritage Museum complex houses old buildings like the Police Station, Old Court House, cells, Federation Building and working men’s sheds. And there are exhibits on many aspects of the area’s past, including rural settlement and mining.
Also worth a visit is Jacka’s Brewery, which was built in 1878 as a local flour mill but was converted to a brewery in 1893.
The spacious Melrose Caravan Park which sits on seven acres is popular with grey nomads, and there is also camping at the showgrounds. Some camping sites in the nearby Mount Remarkable National Park are suitable for caravans and motorhomes.
As previously mentioned, Melrose sits beneath the 960-metre-tall Mount Remarkable and energetic travellers might be tempted to walk to the summit to enjoy the views … but it will probably take around five hours or so.
The national park is known for its excellent walking trails and highlights for hikers will include the abundant native wildlife and birdlife, and ancient Cathedral Rock.
