Bourke
Town
Population 2145
The saying 'back o' Bourke' has come to mean the middle of nowhere, which is why Bourke is known as the gateway to the real outback. Bourke is a prosperous country town in the centre of thriving wool, cotton and citrus areas on the Darling River. It wasn't always so. Charles Sturt described it as 'unlikely to become the haunt of civilised man'. In 1835 Sir Thomas Mitchell came to the area and, thinking that the local Aboriginal people were a great threat, built himself a sturdy fort out of logs. Fort Bourke, as it became known, encouraged permanent settlement. Bourke quickly became a bustling major town, with Henry Lawson describing it as 'the metropolis of great scrubs'.
Visitor Information
Old Railway Station, Anson St; (02) 6872 1222
Nearby national parks
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Currawinya National Park
Currawinya National Park, set in rugged mulga country, protects a significant wetland system. There are two large lakes, Numalla and Wyara,...more
Nearby towns
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Brewarrina
This charming outback town on the banks of the Barwon River is affectionately known as Bre. It was developed in the 1860s as a river...more -
Cobar
Cobar got its name from the Aboriginal word 'kubbur', meaning 'burnt earth'. The story goes that three European settlers were camping at...more -
Nyngan
Nyngan is a pleasant country town on the Bogan River, on the edge of the outback. It was largely unknown to the rest of the country until...more
In Town
Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre This fascinating modern facility is set among river red gums on the Darling River. It tells the story of the river and the outback from the Dreamtime to 100 years into the future. Visitors walk through colourful displays that re-create the past: paddleboats, early settlers and pastoralists, Afghan cameleers, Cobb & Co coaches, the history of unionism and Aboriginal heritage. The centre also looks at the sustainability of agriculture and the social structures of the outback. Kidman Way; (02) 6872 1321.
Old Railway Station: displays of Aboriginal artefacts and local history; Anson St. Fred Hollows' Grave and Memorial: the eye surgeon and famous humanitarian is buried in the cemetery; Cobar Rd. Historic wharf replica: reminder of days when Bourke was a busy paddlesteamer port. Take a paddlesteamer ride on the river; Sturt St. Mateship Country Tours: include historic buildings of Bourke (such as the Carriers Arms Inn, frequented by Henry Lawson) and surrounding citrus and grape farms; bookings at visitor centre.
Nearby
Gundabooka National Park The park is a woodland haven for wildlife. There are over 130 species of bird, including the endangered pink cockatoo, pied honeyeater and painted honeyeater. Kangaroos, euros and endangered bats also make their homes here. Mt Gundabooka offers great walking tracks and a spectacular lookout. The Ngemba people have a history of ceremonial gatherings in the area and their art can be seen in some caves (to book tours, contact National Parks & Wildlife Service (02) 6872 2744). The park also provides excellent camping and barbecue facilities. 74 km S.Fort Bourke Stockade replica: memorial to Sir Thomas Mitchell, who built the original fort; 20 km SW. Mt Oxley: home to wedge-tailed eagles and with views of plains from the summit. A key is needed for access to the mountain (collect from visitor centre); 40 km SE. Comeroo Camel Station: working sheep and cattle station with artesian spa and outback experiences including a camel-drawn wagon; accommodation available; (02) 6874 7735; 150 km NW.
Cafes & restaurants around town
This little Bourke bakery does a roaring trade with a long list of pies available, alongside freshly baked bread. Try the ‘Back-O-Bourke Lamb’ (minted lamb) or the in-house favourite, steak Diane, and you will happily... Find out more
Campsites around town
Kidman's Camp 5 km
This is a neat and friendly caravan park in North Bourke, not far from the famed Darling River. It’s got a swimming pool, which is heavenly in the high heat of summer, as well as powered and unpowered tent sites,... Find out moreGaze across the Darling River to towering red gums at this spot, just 11 km north of North Bourke. Facilities are non-existent, but it’s quiet and beautiful, and you can fish, paddle, or go for a swim if you... Find out more
Mount Oxley camping area 30 km
Mt Oxley is a tabletop mountain with spectacular views over the broad and sunburnt plains surrounding Bourke. This camping area is on private property; to get here, follow the road to Brewarrina for 28 km and take the... Find out moreYanda camping ground 36 km
Camp right on the Darling River at this newly established site on the north-western side of Louth Rd. From Bourke, head south along the Kidman Way and turn right onto Louth Rd. Follow the road about 45 km and watch for a... Find out moreDry Tank camping ground 53 km
Follow Kidman Way 50 km south of Bourke and turn right onto the main park road; alternatively, turn onto East Toorale Rd 10 km south of Bourke and follow the signs. There’s a 2.4 km walk from here leading to a... Find out more4 Mile camping area 94 km
At 4 miles, or approximately 6.5 km, east of Brewarrina along Carinda Rd, this is a top spot for fishing and swimming in the Barwon River. You’ll be joining a tradition stretching back thousands of years –... Find out moreCulgoa River Campground 144 km
Don’t get too excited about fishing and swimming, as the river here is often dry. Instead, you can camp among the gidgee trees and take the Riverbank Walk to the river, or the Connellys Walk through stands of tall... Find out moreCulgoa Floodplain (bush camping) 165 km
For self-sufficient campers only, bush camping is permitted at various sites throughout the park. To get there from St George, travel 160 km south to Hebel on a sealed road then 45 km south to Goodooga (impassable after... Find out moreTilpa Weir camping area 170 km
This is a nice little campsite overlooking the Darling River, 140 km north-east of Wilcannia and 6 km east of Tilpa on the Tilpa–Louth Rd. Don’t miss the chance to stop in for a cold drink or a meal at the... Find out moreParoo River camping area (bush camping) 191 km
Bush camping for self-sufficient campers is permitted in the park’s northern end on the Paroo River at Caiwarro waterhole, Pump Hole and Corni Paroo waterhole. The park is off Hungerford Rd, 50 km north of... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Kidmans Camp 5 km
Located 8 km north of town, this spacious riverfront park has plenty of lawn and lots of shade. The park is in a quiet, out-of-town location backing onto the Darling River.... Find out moreCobar Caravan Park 156 km
This park appeals to us each time we stay here. The neat, well-maintained place is located on the Barrier Highway about 1 km west of the shopping centre. There are good amenities and it is an ideal overnight stop for... Find out moreRiverside Caravan Park 201 km
The park is set in a quiet riverfront location on the western side of Nyngan, strategically located near the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier highways. It has most of the normal park facilities and, while it has... Find out moreCunnamulla Caravan Park 225 km
This is a typical country-town caravan park with good amenities, good basic facilities and a resident manager. The park is in a quiet, off-highway location and is an ideal base for exploring the area or a good choice for... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Since 1998, owners Peter and Tracey Simmonds have developed a prestigious riverside camping and caravan park at Kidman’s Camp. Their bronco riding and rodeo connections are evident in the rustic feel of the 18... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Latoka Rest Area 20 km
57 km NW of Byrock (L) or 21 km SE of Bourke (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S30 14.42 E146 03.30... Find out moreTuncoona Rest Area 57 km
65 km N of Bourke (L) or 71 km S of Barringun (R) Large secluded area well off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 35.139 E145 50.504 ... Find out moreBahloo Rest Area 100 km
27 km NW of Coolabah (L) or 24 km SE of Byrock (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S30 49.52 E146 32.48 ... Find out more
