🔍

Melrose

SA 5483 • South Australia

342
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
328.65 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricBushlandPeacefulTourist Hub
Advertisement

About Melrose

Melrose is a small historic township nestled at the foot of Mount Remarkable in the Southern Flinders Ranges, approximately 230 kilometres north of Adelaide within the Flinders Ranges Council area. With a population of 342, the township retains a strong sense of heritage with original 19th-century stone buildings lining its main street, earning it recognition as one of South Australia's most charming historic villages. Its large surrounding locality of around 329 square kilometres reflects the wide open pastoral character of the Flinders Ranges, with low-density rural properties typical of the region.

Melrose has become one of South Australia's premier mountain biking destinations, with the Melrose Mountain Bike Park offering trails for all skill levels through the ranges. The town is also the gateway to Mount Remarkable National Park, attracting bushwalkers, campers, and nature lovers throughout the year. A handful of heritage-listed pubs, a general store, and local accommodation cater to visitors, while the close-knit resident community values the town's peaceful, rural atmosphere far from city pressures.

Melrose falls under postcode 5483 and is governed by the Mount Remarkable Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Grey, while state elections fall under the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5483
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Remarkable
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Stuart
Type
Locality
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-32.89°, 138.12°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
328.65 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5483

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5483 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,093
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$54,051

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5483; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Stateliner coach services — Adelaide (Central Bus Station) Approx. 3.5–4 hours

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
230 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2.5–3 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hours

🛣️ Access via Augusta Highway (A1). Stateliner coach from Melrose to Adelaide available.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily life in Melrose; the town has only basic services and limited retail

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
342
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melrose known for? +

Melrose is best known as a premier mountain biking destination with the Melrose Mountain Bike Park, and as a beautifully preserved historic township in the Southern Flinders Ranges. It's also the gateway to Mount Remarkable National Park, popular with bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts.

How far is Melrose from Adelaide? +

Melrose is approximately 230 kilometres north of Adelaide, making it roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive via the Augusta Highway (A1). Stateliner coach services also connect the town to Adelaide's Central Bus Station.

Does Melrose have public transport? +

Melrose has limited public transport options. Stateliner coach services connect the town to Adelaide, but there is no local bus network or rail service. A private vehicle is essential for daily life and local travel around the Flinders Ranges.

What is the population of Melrose? +

According to the 2021 Census, Melrose has a population of 342 residents. The township is small but draws significant visitor numbers thanks to its mountain biking trails and heritage tourism appeal.

Is Melrose a good place to live? +

Melrose suits those seeking a quiet, historic rural lifestyle with access to exceptional outdoor recreation in the Flinders Ranges. It's ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those wanting to escape city living, though daily services and amenities are very limited.

What is the postcode for Melrose? +

The postcode for Melrose, South Australia is 5483.