The North Star is a good example of new stylish sleeping and eating options aimed at the burgeoning "outback" touring market in Australia. The people who renovated the North Star also did the Prairie Hotel further north at Parachilna.

We stayed in the cheaper backpacker-style accommodation in a converted house next to the renovated North Star Inn. Our room was basic, large and clean with a serviceable, clean bathroom - fine for one night.

We looked at the rooms in the main inn - which were more expensive, stylishly-presented boutique accommodation. There were also cabins built on the back of former semi-trailers (lorries or trucks) parked at the back - for those who want a more unusual sleeping option. All types of accommodation are available via the North Star.

Melrose nestles under Mt Remarkable. It's an old agricultural town with some interesting buildings, on a highway which is a major route between the northern parts of South Australia and the... more