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
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…
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…
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…
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
🖤🤍 NEW LOOK, SAME BACK O’ BOURKE MAGIC 🤍🖤 You may have noticed our Visit Back O’ Bourke page has had a little refresh! We’ve kept our new cover black and white — or monochrome if you’re feeling fancy — because we reckon the real colour, character and magic is something you need to see for yourself when you visit. The river, the history, the stories, the landmarks, the gardens, the people… they all come to life once you’re here. So whether it’s this month, later in the year, or you’re already planning your 2027 trip, we’ll be right here waiting — and doing our very best to keep enticing you to the Back O’ Bourke. See you soon. We’ll save you a spot.
visitbackobourke
Winter in the Back O’ Bourke isn’t all scarves and soup. It’s frost on the paddocks, fog sitting low over the river, gidgee smoke in the air and stars so thick you’ll give up trying to count them. Take a drive, book a farm stay, wander a national park or just stand still long enough to hear the quiet. This is the outback at its best — cold mornings, clear nights and plenty of reasons to stay another day.
visitbackobourke
Stay where the stars are louder than the traffic Out here, winter nights are something else. The fire crackles, the air is sharp, the paddocks glow under moonlight and the stars look close enough to touch. By day, take on the national parks, follow the river roads, visit a village or find a farm stay that lets you slow right down. By night, pull your chair up to a gidgee fire and remember what quiet sounds like. That’s winter in the Back O’ Bourke.
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Bourke Lock & Weir is well worth a drive around when you’re exploring #visitbourke. The Bourke Lock was the first lock built anywhere along the Darling River system, completed in 1897. It measures 59.5 metres between the gates and is 11 metres wide — a pretty impressive piece of river history. You’ll find it out towards the Bourke Fishing Reserve. Follow the signs, and when the river is flowing, you’ll hear it before you see it! Downstream from the weir, take a slow drive through the Fishing Reserve, with its coolabah trees, loop roads and peaceful river views. Another great little spot to discover around Bourke.
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The red dirt roads around Bourke make the perfect backdrop for any photo. Head out to Mount Oxley and soak up a stunning sunset — permits are available from the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre. Or take a trip to Gundabooka National Park, walk up Mount Gundabooka and call into the Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site on your way back to town. You don’t have to travel far to see the colours of the outback. Around Bourke, there’s a beautiful view waiting in every direction. #nature #photographylife #photographylovers #photography #sunshine #visitbourke #backobourke #outbacknsw
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Village Spotlight — Byrock Byrock is one of those little villages that makes you glad you took the turn. No fuss, no crowds — just country character, history, wide open space and the kind of stop that reminds you why travelling out west is worth it. Call into the Mulga Creek Hotel, take a look at the Byrock Rock Holes, stretch the legs and enjoy a village that has seen plenty of travellers, yarns and dust over the years. It’s not polished and perfect — and that’s exactly the charm. Next time you’re passing through, don’t just wave at the sign. Pull in, have a look around and give Byrock a little love.
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Back O’ Bourke Café and Gardens Slow down, settle in and enjoy a little time at the Back O’ Bourke. Call into the Café for a coffee, something fresh to eat, or a sweet treat, then take a wander through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. Whether you’re travelling through, catching up with friends, or just need a quiet moment in the day, the Back O’ Bourke Café and gardens are a lovely place to pause, relax and see where the day takes you. For further information, call the Back O’ Bourke Info Centre on 6872 1321 — or head out and have a yarn.
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If you’re visiting Bourke, a cruise on the Jandra is one of those experiences you don’t want to miss. Sit back, relax and take in the Darling River from the water — the trees, the reflections, the stories and that lovely feeling of not being in a rush. The Jandra Paddleboat is a beautiful way to enjoy the Back O’ Bourke. For further information, call the Back O’ Bourke Info Centre on 6872 1321 — or head out and have a yarn.
visitbackobourke
The Darling River has shaped our town, our stories and our way of life. From the wharves to the bridge, the river has carried history, people, trade and memories through the Back O’ Bourke for generations. Take a moment, head down to the river, and enjoy one of the most important parts of Bourke’s story.
visitbackobourke
Think you know Bourke? If your mind goes straight to tumbleweeds, dusty streets and an old western movie scene… we need to have a little chat. Because our main street — Oxley Street, for those playing along — is looking anything but dusty. Take a stroll and you’ll find shady trees, natives, rosemary galore, bougainvilleas, gardens cared for with pride, and even those bright yellow roses outside the Police Station doing their thing. Bourke Shire Council and the Back O’ Bourke team have worked hard over the years to create a town centre that is green, safe, friendly and welcoming — for our locals, our visitors and anyone who thinks they already know what Bourke looks like. So here’s your challenge: park the car, stretch the legs, walk Oxley Street and have a proper look. Then tell your friends Bourke is not what they pictured — it’s better.
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The coolabahs of Bourke Cemetery guard a fascinating piece of Australia’s frontier history. Spend an hour wandering through the inscriptions and you’ll step back into a world of bushrangers and drovers, cameleers and riverboat men, lost children, local heroes and the many stories that shaped the Western Plains. Bourke Cemetery predates the town itself, and its epitaphs tell stories of hardship, tragedy and resilience — “drowned”, “killed by lightning”, “murdered”, “shot dead by police” and “perished in the bush” are just some of the words etched into local history. In 1993, Professor Fred Hollows was also laid to rest here, adding another remarkable chapter to this historic place. The weather is perfect, so take your time, spend a day or two in Bourke, and come and see the stories for yourself.
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Heading to Bourke soon? Maybe you’re coming this way for the long weekend, the Louth Field Day, or already planning ahead for the Louth Races in August. Be sure to call in and say g’day to the team at the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre. We’ve got tourist information, maps, books, guides, local tips, treasures to take home, and a café ready when you need a coffee or a bite to eat. Basically, we’re your one-stop shop for finding your way around the Back O’ Bourke… and yes, we might even have a little local goss to go with it. See you soon!