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
Cooler days are rolling in… and this is when Bourke really turns it on ✨ Sunsets dial up the colour, the stars put on a proper show, and there’s nothing better than a campfire, good company and a yarn under a sky full of twinkles. Stay with mates, book a farm stay, roll into a caravan park or pull up at one of our village pubs — then wander out and find your own spot in the Back O’ Bourke, away from the lights. Because out here, travel isn’t about the white line getting you here… it’s about everything you see once you arrive. Simple. Beautiful. Bourke. We’ll save you a sunset (and a few extra twinkles) — see you soon 🌅✨
visitbackobourke
We know the price of fuel is on everyone’s mind right now… But if you’re already on the road and looking for somewhere to pull up, stay a little longer and really take it all in — make it Bourke. Better yet, make it one of our Back O’ Bourke villages. Byrock, Louth and Enngonia all offer a great country pub, a place to rest and a chance to soak up the local scenery and stories. Wanaaring is well worth the drive too. Pass through Yantabulla, check out the Dingo Fence — open the gate, step into Queensland, snap a pic — then head on to Hungerford and the Royal Mail Hotel, now open Thursday to Saturday with new managers. If you’re travelling with solar and self-contained, or just chasing a quiet spot to breathe it all in, we’ve got farm stays and some incredible National Parks waiting for you. Slow down, stay a little longer… and take a big Bourke breath.
visitbackobourke
Ever spotted a frilled-neck lizard out this way? These iconic Aussie characters are known for their dramatic neck frill — flared out to scare off predators. They’re mostly tree dwellers, feeding on insects, spiders and small critters. Despite the big show, it’s all bluff — no venom and only a weak bite. But let’s be honest… watching a frilly run is one of the greatest joys in life. You might spot them along the highways, often sunning themselves — think of it as warming up… or topping up the tan. Road trip tip: Start a car game — count how many frillies you spot before arriving in Bourke or one of our villages. Trust us… it’s harder than it sounds 😉
visitbackobourke
Make the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre your base this trip. Start here, get the local tips, and find the spots you won’t see on a map. Meet a local or two, grab a coffee or a toasted sanga from the café, and settle in. Step through the exhibition and uncover the stories of Bourke — across three buildings, rich with history, struggles, and the people who built this place and continue to be remembered today. Take your time… this is where your Bourke journey really begins. #visitbourke #backobourke #starthere #outbackstories #bourkehistory
visitbackobourke
Percy Hobson Mural – A Legend Welcomes You to Bourke Driving into Bourke along what we locals call the Dubbo Road (Mitchell Hwy if you’re following the map 😉)? Make sure you look left. Standing proud is the Percy Hobson mural — a vibrant tribute to a local legend. 🏃♂️ Born and raised in Bourke, Percy made history in 1962 as the first Aboriginal athlete to win Commonwealth Games gold, taking out the high jump and putting Bourke on the world stage. Today, this mural is more than just art — it’s a powerful welcome to town and a reminder of pride, resilience, and local greatness. 📍 Want to learn more? Call into the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre and discover Percy’s story and so many more. #visitbourke #backobourke #percyhobson #bourkelegends #outbackart #standingstories
visitbackobourke
🛑 Don’t just tick Bourke off the list… Stay. Fish the river. Jump on a cruise. Visit the Centre. Have a pub meal. Say g’day to someone you’ve never met before. That’s when Bourke becomes more than a stop — it becomes a story you’ll take with you. #VisitBourke #BackOBourke #MakeMemories #TravelAustralia
visitbackobourke
The biggest mistake visitors make? They don’t stay long enough. Between the river, the history, the people, the pubs, the stories… Bourke has a funny way of pulling you in and keeping you here. So go on — extend the trip. We won’t mind 😉 #visitbourke #staylonger #outbacknsw #backobourke
visitbackobourke
School holidays in Bourke? This is one you don’t want to miss 👀 Jump aboard and experience the mighty Darling River the way it’s meant to be seen. Pack an esky, bring a block of cheese, grab your crew and take some time to slow down and soak it all in. 🛥️ Two cruises daily Mon–Sat 🛥️ 2-hour cruise Sundays from 2pm 🎟️ Tickets available at the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre or onboard — just arrive a little earlier to secure your spot. Take your time, stay a little longer… and do Bourke properly.
visitbackobourke
Wide skies, red dirt roads, river reflections and quiet moments you didn’t plan for… That’s Bourke. It’s not about how much you can fit in — it’s about what you take in while you’re here. Slow down, stay longer and let Bourke do the rest.
visitbackobourke
Quick trip to Bourke? Yeah… nah. You’ll need time for the river, time for a Jandra cruise, time for a pub stop (or two), and time to get slightly distracted along the way. Rush it and you’ll miss the good bits. Do yourself a favour — stay longer.
visitbackobourke
If you’re heading our way these school holidays, come ready to explore. Mount Oxley views, National Parks, farm stays, dusty roads that lead somewhere special, and villages like Louth and Byrock that are worth the detour. Every turn has a story. Give yourself time — the best of Bourke isn’t done in a day.
visitbackobourke
School holidays in Bourke hit a little different… Start with a sunrise on the Darling, take your time on a Jandra cruise, wander through the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, then end the day watching the sun drop over the river. No rushing. No ticking boxes. Stay longer — Bourke isn’t a one-night stop.