Your best bet would be to save up another couple of hundred and get a Pentax *istDS. I reckon if you look really hard you'll get a new one with a lens for $900. Otherwise, browse the DP review pages.
As far as compacts go, I've got a Casio EX-Z750 that I'm pretty happy with, It's capable of being fully manual with 60sec to 1/6000th shutter, 3x zoom, 7.2 pixies and it's very compact (easily fits in your pocket). I haven't tried it on any astro shots yet so I couldn't tell you if it's any good for that.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/casioz750/
Don't buy one in Australia though, they're overpriced by a couple of hundred - better off importing one.