If you know Bourke you know Australia
Henry Lawson
WELCOME
'Back O' Bourke'- one of the most recognisable terms in the Australian vocabulary, but where, or rather 'what' is it? It is people and it is landscape, solitude and mate-ship. It encompasses history, culture and nature, as well as invention and ingenuity. Small towns and big distances, wide open plains and narrow tracks. As much a concept as it is reality, and only ever truly understood through experience.
This is our backyard. These concepts and hazy vision are the realities of our day to day lives. We can no more point you towards the Back O' Bourke than you could, because we are it. We are the people, the places, the stories and traces. Follow any path you like to get here, take any means available to you, and know that when you arrive you will be invited to discover the hidden journeys Back O' Bourke has to offer.
See & Do
Jandra Paddleboat
Experience the famous Darling River aboard the majestic Jandra Paddleboat. Enjoy one of the relaxing daily cruises, or book a private charter for you…
Mount Oxley Rossmore Station
An hour spent with eagles in the silence atop Mount Oxley looking across a 100-kilometre expanse rekindles the experience of explorers Sturt and Hume…
Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre
The Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre is set amongst the native garden of the river red gums on the banks of the Darling River.The cen…
Stay
It's the bitterest land of sweat and sorrow. But if I were free I'd be off tomorrow Out at the Back O' Bourke
Henry Lawson
Social
visitbackobourke
Now more than ever, your support means everything out here. If you’re travelling through the Back O’ Bourke, take a moment to support a local business — whether it’s a coffee, a meal, a bit of merch, fuel, supplies or a night’s stay. It might seem small, but it makes a big difference to the people and communities that keep this region going. And don’t forget our surrounding villages — Byrock, Louth, Enngonia and Wanaaring — each with their own stories, characters and country hospitality waiting for you. Slow down, stay a little longer, and back the locals — you’ll be glad you did. #visitbourke #supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #BackOBourke #StayLonger #OutbackNSW
visitbackobourke
You didn’t drive all this way just to turn around tomorrow… did you? 😏 There’s a cold drink waiting, a story to hear, and a sunset worth sticking around for. Slow down, stay a little longer, and back the locals — you’ll be glad you did. #visitbourke #stayanothernight #backobourke #outbacksunset
visitbackobourke
Blink and you’ll miss Bourke… and that’d be a shame. From Byrock to Louth, Enngonia to Wanaaring, there’s plenty right out the back worth the detour. Slow down, stay a little longer, and back the locals — you’ll be glad you did. #outbackvillages #visitbourke #rightouttheback
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The pub’s open, the river’s flowing, and the locals are ready for a chat. All you need to do is not rush off. Slow down, stay a little longer, and back the locals — you’ll be glad you did. #visitbourke #countryhospitality #stayawhile
visitbackobourke
If you are here in Bourke this ANZAC Day, we welcome you and thank you for choosing to commemorate this important day with our community. Across our town, you may notice rosemary growing along Mitchell and Oxley Streets and near the Cenotaph — a quiet and meaningful symbol of remembrance. Rosemary grew wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, where so many Australian and New Zealand soldiers served, and over time has come to represent loyalty, memory and respect. For many, its scent brings back memories of early mornings, marches, and standing together in reflection. If you wish to wear rosemary today: • Take a small sprig • Pin it to the left side of your chest, close to your heart • It may be worn on its own or alongside medals As we gather, we pause to honour the service and sacrifice of those who came before us. Lest we forget.
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ANZAC Day Services in Bourke – Tomorrow Join the Bourke community for a day of remembrance: ▪️ Dawn Service Assemble quietly at the Cenotaph Precinct, Central Park by 5:50am for a 6am start. ▪️ Morning Service & March Those wishing to take part in the parade are asked to gather at the Wal Mitchell Wharf Precinct by 10:30am. 💛 A gentle reminder: • Medals worn in honour of a family member or friend are placed on the right side of your chest. • A sprig of rosemary is traditionally worn on the left, close to the heart, as a symbol of remembrance. With ANZAC Day upon us, it’s a timely reminder — but remembrance is not limited to one day. When you’re in Bourke, take the time to visit, read, reflect and understand the service and sacrifice that shaped our community. Lest We Forget.
visitbackobourke
Step on board and discover one of Bourke’s true gems — the PV Jandra. The original Jandra was built in 1894 and worked the Darling–Baaka, collecting wool from stations and towing barges along what was once a busy inland highway. Back then, this river was the lifeline of the region — with Bourke one of the busiest inland ports in Australia. The Jandra you see today was built right here in Bourke in 2000, bringing the paddleboat story back to life after nearly 60 years. With paddles over 100 years old — originally from the paddleboat S.S. Nile — still turning beside you, it’s more than just a cruise, it’s a journey through history. Jump on board, take in the river, the wildlife, and the stories that shaped the Back O’ Bourke. Cruises depart Monday to Saturday at 9am and 2:30pm, and Sundays from 2–4pm. Tickets and price enquiries at the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre or onboard — just arrive a little earlier.
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Scenes from the paddle steamer days in Bourke. This photo was taken from the opposite side of the river — note the ferry (punt in action… and yes, the horses have their river legs on). Take a closer look and imagine life here in the 1890s. Steamers lined along the Darling — from left to right: unknown, Rodney, Lady of the Lake, ...?...Mundoo and The Pilot. In the background you can spot part of St Stephen’s Anglican Church, lost to fire in 1895. Look at those riverbanks — cleared right back. Now go and stand there today and see the difference for yourself. Same river. Same town. Still plenty of stories. #MakeMemories #Travel2026 #BackOBourke #historicbuilding
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There’s something about a Bourke sunset… It has a funny way of turning “we’ll keep going” into “let’s stay another night.” Slow down, stay a little longer, and back the locals — you’ll be glad you did. #backobourke #staylonger #outbacksunset
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Out Enngonia way… or as the locals say, the Enngonia Pub. The Oasis Hotel is open every day and worth the drive — dine in, takeaway or pull up outside and take it all in. New owners are settling in, upgrades are underway, and the welcome? Proper outback — warm, easy and nothing’s too much trouble. If Bourke’s full, don’t turn around — take the drive, stay a night or just call in and support our village businesses. Loving this old photo of camels out the front… and while there’s no fuel at the pub, these fellas don’t mind — they run just fine on water. We’ve heard the reviews… and they stack up. Don’t just drive past — pull in, say g’day and make it part of the trip.
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Chasing a feed or just need a reason to get outta town? Locals… this one’s got your name on it. Jump over the levy and head to Shindy’s Inn, Louth. Good grub, cold beers and yes — the coffee’s flowing too. How good’s this old photo of a mob of sheep wandering past the pub… but don’t follow the leader — pull in, park up and get yourself inside. Maz and Gail, the new Shindy’s crew, are ready to say g’day. Open: 8am Monday to Saturday 9am Sundays Breakfast, lunch or tea — sorted. Grab your crew and make a run of it… Bourke style.
visitbackobourke
Fuel talk might be doing the rounds… but out here, we’re still doing what we do best. If you’re travelling through the Back O' Bourke region, take the turn and make it part of the trip. Mulga Creek Hotel, Byrock is the kind of stop you don’t rush past — cold drinks, good honest meals, a spot to stay, and room for the kids to just be kids. This is what a trip out west is all about… slowing down, pulling in, and enjoying the moment. You don’t need the coast — you just need a good stop, a good feed, and a Bourke sunset. Keep heading our way… we’ll be here.