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
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First stop in Bourke? Make it the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre. We’re open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm during tourism season, with a team who can point you in the right direction — whether you’re chasing history, river views, a good coffee, or just trying to work out where the road actually goes next. Ask us about a combo ticket while you’re here — explore the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and jump aboard the Jandra paddle vessel for a cruise on the Darling-Baaka. Come in, say G’day, ask the questions — we’ve heard most of them before… and made up answers to none of them.
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Looking for a drive with a few stories on the side? The Pub Route takes you through Cobar, Bourke and Walgett, sharing the history of old roadside inns, forgotten pub spots and the bush pubs still keeping the yarns alive today. Keep an eye out for historical markers along the way and discover the watering holes of the West — past and present. You can grab a Pub Route book from the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre before you head off, or have a look online here: 👉 https://thepubroute.com.au/ Take the road less travelled… just don’t forget to call into the local while you’re there.
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🌿 Discover Bourke's National Parks Looking to experience the best of the Outback? Just a short drive from Bourke, you'll find two incredible NSW National Parks waiting to be explored. Visit Gundabooka National Park to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, take in the views from Mount Gunderbooka and enjoy camping or unique heritage accommodation. Or head to Toorale National Park, where you can camp beside the Darling River, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and experience one of the region's most significant natural landscapes. Whether you're travelling with a swag, caravan or tent, Bourke's national parks offer the perfect Outback escape. #visitbourke #destinationnsw #outbacknsw #nationalparksnsw
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Long before aviation was commonplace, pioneering pilot Nancy-Bird Walton took to the skies to deliver doctors, medical supplies and hope to some of Australia's most remote communities. Known as the "Angel of the Outback," she became the youngest female pilot in the British Empire, breaking barriers at a time when few women entered the profession. Today, her remarkable legacy lives on in Bourke, where the local airport terminal proudly bears her name and features a display celebrating her extraordinary contribution to the Outback. It's a moving reminder of the courage, determination and community spirit that helped shape our region. 📍 Be sure to visit the Nancy-Bird Walton display during your next trip to Bourke. #visitbourke #nancybirdwalton #womeninaviation #outbacknsw #australianhistory
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Let’s make damper! 🔥 There’s nothing better during winter than a camp oven dinner out on the road — a hearty stew bubbling away, the fire going, and fresh damper ready to mop up every last bit. Keep it simple as a bread with dinner, warm from the camp oven and torn apart with your hands — because that’s how damper should be eaten. Then, if there’s any left, turn it into dessert. Slather it in butter, pour over the golden syrup and don’t be shy… if it’s not running down your arm, you didn’t use enough. 😂 Simple, warm, sticky, and very Back O’ Bourke. Camp oven dinner, damper, golden syrup and a big western sky — that’s winter on the road done right. 🧡
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board the PV Jandra. It’s not just the river putting on a show — the banks are green, the wildlife is out and about, and the birds are giving us front-row seats to nature’s finest. The Jandra operates Monday to Saturday at 9am and 2:30pm, with a stunning two-hour Sunday cruise at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre — or why not make a day of it with a combo ticket? Wander through the Exhibition Centre, then jump aboard and see the Back O’ Bourke from the river. Make the Centre your base, take in the view, and we’ll see you soon.
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Standing Stories | George Orcher, Kooma Some stories are not just remembered — they are carried. George Orcher shares the powerful story of his family’s connection to Kooma Country, Weilmoringle, the Nebine River, and the journey that helped shape a community. From Nan and Pop being taken from their land, escaping at Bollon, and making their way along the river and stations, to George’s father Dudley bringing family back on horseback so Weilmoringle could have its own school — this is a story of strength, survival, family and belonging. “When Weilmoringle became a town and not a camp.” Take a moment to listen to George’s story. 🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6m6WbCsFcM #StandingStories #GeorgeOrcher #Kooma #Weilmoringle #BackOBourke #OurStories #CommunityHistory
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Crossley Engine Notice Our beautiful Crossley Engine is currently out of operation until further notice. We’re waiting on a couple of parts for this stunning piece of machinery, so for now we’re letting the old girl have a well-earned rest while repairs are carried out. Visitors are still welcome to view the Crossley while she’s resting — she may be quiet, but she’s still a beauty. We do apologise for any disappointment, as we know this is a favourite for many visitors. Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll let you know when she’s ready to fire up again.
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Have you spotted our Dance of the Echidnas at the front of the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre? This beautiful little garden is a tribute to one of our shyest and most curious locals — the echidna. Crafted with granite stones to reflect their spiky quills, it’s a lovely spot to pause, take a photo and enjoy the peaceful surrounds before heading inside. No matter which road brings you to Bourke, one thing is certain — when you arrive at the Back O’ Bourke, we’ll be here to welcome you with a smile. #backobourke #visitbourke #outbacknsw #outbackaustralia #bourke #naturephotography #travelnsw
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Green grass, stunning views and good old-fashioned Bourke hospitality — what more could you ask for? Come and explore the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre, where you can enjoy a warm cuppa, a delicious bite on the café deck, wander through our beautiful native gardens and take in the peaceful surrounds. Bourke is full of surprises, friendly faces and those little moments that make a visit memorable. So, whether you’re passing through, staying a while, or planning your next adventure — make sure the Back O’ Bourke is on your list. We’ll be here waiting with a smile. 🌿☕
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Standing proudly in Oxley Street, the Bourke Court House is one of Bourke’s most impressive heritage buildings. Built in 1900 for just £9,500, this beautiful example of colonial architecture continues to capture the attention of visitors and locals alike. Look closely and you’ll notice the crown sitting high on the building — a nod to its unique history as Australia’s furthest inland Maritime Court. Visitors are welcome to view the Bourke Court House during non-court hours, making it a wonderful stop for anyone keen to add a little history to their Bourke adventure. For further information, call into the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre and have a yarn with the team. #visitbourke #windowstothepast #destinationnsw #historicphoto #historicbuildings #bourke #outbacknsw
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Escape to the Back O’ Bourke and spend a few magical nights beneath the stars. Pitch the tent, pull up the van or roll out the swag and settle in for wide open skies, crisp evenings and good old-fashioned campfire yarns. Out here, the best stories are told beside a crackling fire, under a blanket of stars, with the red dirt at your feet and the Darling River not too far away. Pack your gear, take the road to Bourke and enjoy the simple magic of the outback. 📸 Credit: Georgia Bragg Photography #backobourke #visitbourke #bourkensw #destinationnsw #outbacknsw #outbackaustralia #darlingriverrun #darlingriver #campingvibes #campfireyarns