Melrose, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: May 16th, 2005
Framed against the backdrop of Mt. Remarkable, the small historic town of Melrose is the oldest settlement in the Flinders Ranges.
Discover the history of this unique township by taking a walking tour to the magnificent courthouse building, it provides visitors with a startling insight into the life and times of the early judiciary, the mounted police force and the pioneers of the area.
In October 1848, a police station was established on this site, and until 1856 it was the most northerly police point in South Australia. From 1873 to 1881, Melrose was the divisional headquarters for the Far Northern Police Division, which extended west to the Gawler Ranges, east to the Barrier Ranges and north into the Northern Territory.
The original buildings comprise the stone courthouse and police station, police horse stables, the original lock up and exercise yard and cells. The Centenary of Federation building is built of the stone from the ruins of the homes that early agriculturalists walked away from.
You can stand in the courtroom where justice was dispensed, stand in the witness or defendant's box, and imagine yourself there in 1862. Then follow the detainee's path to the very cells where offenders were sent to confinement.
The North Star Inn is on the Main North Road between Murraytown and Wilmington. At the North Star Inn, historic rustic pieces of machinery and building materials transform the bar in a classically interesting and unusual way.
Here you can stay in converted trucks, each uniquely different, loaded with local heritage, history and stories. All rooms, chalets and units have air conditioning, telephone, TV on request, clock, radio, fridge, toaster, electric jug, table, and chairs.
Further Information:
Melrose Courthouse Heritage Centre: Ph. 08 8666 2141.
Rooms at the North Star Inn start from $110 a night. This includes breakfast.
North Star Inn: Ph. (08) 8666 2110.
Prices correct at 16/05/05.
Jetstar one way to Adelaide, from $59 ex Melbourne, $79 ex Hobart, and $119 ex Gold Coast.
Prices available online only, and include surcharges, fees and taxes. Conditions apply.
jetstar.com.
Prices correct 4/5/05.
