While at the Back O' Bourke you must check out the top 10 things to do!
Visit the Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre. It will take a while to go through but I guarantee you will enjoy. The Centre gives the visitor a window to the past lives of those that lived, worked and played at the Back O' Bourke. Its only been opened for a few months but call in. Phone: (02) 68721321. www.backobourke.com.au
The Back O’Bourke Gallery is situated on the banks of the Darling River at North Bourke, 5km north of Bourke. North Bourke is a developing outback tourist village and this beautifully presented gallery houses the studio of one of Australia’s foremost established outback artists, Jenny Greentree. Jen’s art is inspired by the rich Australian outback scenery and together with her husband Steve they have developed a gallery that never ceases to impress the many visitors that pass through its doors. This working commercial gallery is a must see gallery on the ‘Outback art gallery loop’ from Lightning Ridge to Broken Hill and original works and reproductions have found homes around Australia and overseas. Phone: (02) 68724674. www.backobourkegallery.com
Cruise the Darling on the PV Jandra. This modern paddle vessel is also operated by Bourke Shire Council and part of the new tourist experience at the Back O' Bourke. Buy a package that includes the Exhibition Centre and the Jandra. Say hi to the Captain. Departs from Kidmans Camp. During our main tourist season it runs at 9am and 3pm. This modern boat was built by Russell Mansell and his family and commissioned in 2000. In fact the 19th of August 2010 was its 10 year anniversary! Further information available at the Bourke Visitors Centre.
Get yourself on a Mateship Country Tour! An absolute must for every traveler, Say G'Day to Stu. The best information in the West. Learn more about life Outback. Phone: (02) 68721222. www.outbacknow.com.au
Gundabooka National Park is without doubt the best National Park in the State of NSW. A diverse cultural story, walking trails, camping facilities, rock art and just off the highway. About 50Km south of Bourke. Call in to the National Parks office and pick up a brochure. Say hi to Melissa or Tracey. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks
Para Native Gardens. This beautiful native garden showcases the amazing narrative of a family's journey. Enjoy the real life experiences and knowledge of a Muruwari woman, sharing her Aboriginal culture and family history with authentic artifacts, pictures and storytelling. Phone: 0268 724647. www.culgoadreaming.com.au
Call in at a bush pub! I think this probably should be number one! There are plenty of great bush pubs and I've not had a bad beer yet. They are all friendly. Favorites include: The Byrock Pub, The Oasis at Enngonia, Fordsy pub at Fords Bridge, Royal Mail at Hungerford (if you can get out there), Outback Inn at Wanaaring, Shindy's Inn at Louth, The Oxford and Port Of Bourke in town; hang on, that’s all of them! For those that are out for a days adventure do the Outback Triangle Pub Crawl. Start early and head to Shindy's Inn at Louth for smoko, then take the back road to Fordsy for lunch before settling in at the Northy for the afternoon. Total distance is about 250Km but its a great drive.
Check out the Crossley Engine! it runs at noon each weekday during the tourist season. This large oil engine has a great history and sounds great when its fired up. The Crossley is at the old wharf in the town.
You can't come to the Outback without a visit to Mount Oxley. Go at sunset if you have the chance. It is amazing. About a 40 minute drive from Bourke towards Brewarrina. Get some information from the tourist information centre along with a key.
After getting through this list you will need a feed. I can highly recommend the BBQ out at Kidmans Camp. Take your own plate, your donation goes towards local charities and is put on by Shirley and her crew of volunteers. A couple of times per week during the tourist season. Well worth coming to Bourke just for this night out. Enjoy the Outback poetry of Nicki, Geoff and the many other locals.
The Back O’Bourke Gallery is situated on the banks of the Darling River at North Bourke, 5km north of Bourke. North Bourke is a developing outback tourist village and this beautifully presented gallery houses the studio of one of Australia’s foremost established outback artists, Jenny Greentree. Jen’s art is inspired by the rich Australian outback scenery and together with her husband Steve they have developed a gallery that never ceases to impress the many visitors that pass through its doors. This working commercial gallery is a must see gallery on the ‘Outback art gallery loop’ from Lightning Ridge to Broken Hill and original works and reproductions have found homes around Australia and overseas. Phone: (02) 68724674.
Cruise the Darling on the PV Jandra. This modern paddle vessel is also operated by Bourke Shire Council and part of the new tourist experience at the Back O' Bourke. Buy a package that includes the Exhibition Centre and the Jandra. Say hi to the Captain. Departs from Kidmans Camp. During our main tourist season it runs at 9am and 3pm. This modern boat was built by Russell Mansell and his family and commissioned in 2000. In fact the 19th of August 2010 was its 10 year anniversary! Further information available at the Bourke Visitors Centre.
Check out the Crossley Engine! it runs at noon each weekday during the tourist season. This large oil engine has a great history and sounds great when its fired up. The Crossley is at the old wharf in the town.
You can't come to the Outback without a visit to Mount Oxley. Go at sunset if you have the chance. It is amazing. About a 40 minute drive from Bourke towards Brewarrina. Get some information from the tourist information centre along with a key.
After getting through this list you will need a feed. I can highly recommend the BBQ out at Kidmans Camp. Take your own plate, your donation goes towards local charities and is put on by Shirley and her crew of volunteers. A couple of times per week during the tourist season. Well worth coming to Bourke just for this night out. Enjoy the Outback poetry of Nicki, Geoff and the many other locals.