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…
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…
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
Some roads are about getting somewhere... The Darling River Run is about enjoying the journey. Follow Australia's longest river through historic river towns, tiny villages, country pubs, station stays, red dirt roads, campfires, breathtaking sunsets and the kind of hospitality you'll only find in the outback. From Bourke to Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee and Wentworth, every stop has a story waiting to be told. Slow down. Stay an extra night. Chat to the locals. Cruise the river, catch a sunset, throw a line in or simply pull up a camp chair and watch the Darling River drift by. The Darling River Run isn't just a drive... it's an outback experience you'll be talking about long after you've arrived home. Where will the Darling River Run take you next? #darlingriverrun
visitbackobourke
Good winter rain means one thing... a spectacular spring is on the way. If you've been looking for an excuse to hit the road, this is it. The Back O' Bourke is turning green, the paddocks are already showing off with carpets of yellow and white wildflowers, and it's only going to get better. Ask any local where to point the camera this spring and you'll probably hear the same answer... Lednapper. Word around town is it's shaping up to be something pretty special. Pack the camera, take the scenic route and come see the Back O' Bourke at its colourful best. Spring doesn't last forever.
visitbackobourke
If you've never been to the Louth Races... you don't know what you're missing. Picture this... A tiny outback village. Around 50 locals (sometimes less). One pub, a hall, a park, a tennis court, a cricket oval, the gorgeous Darling River... and a race track. Now fast forward to race week. The village comes alive with 4,000–5,000 people. Caravans, campers, bus groups, neighbours from Bourke, Cobar, Nyngan, Brewarrina and beyond. Campfires burning, camp ovens cooking, live music at Shindy's Inn, the golf day, Calcutta, raffles, the fete, auctions and plenty of stories shared over a cold drink. Then Saturday rolls around... and it's race day. It's not just a day at the races. It's one of Australia's great outback traditions, and once you've been, you'll understand why so many people book their campsite for next year before they've even packed up. The weather report says it's right to race. The only question is... will we see you at Louth?
visitbackobourke
Friday night in the Back O' Bourke... if the Jandra Paddle Vessel isn't already on your Bourke bucket list for the weekend, it should be. The forecast is looking a little fresh tomorrow morning, so rug up with an extra pair of socks and, if you're camping or in the van, another blanket or two. Winter mornings out here are crisp, but they don't last long. Step aboard and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the gorgeous Darling River this weekend. Saturday – 9:00am & 2:30pm Sunday – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (our popular two-hour cruise) Tickets are available at the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre or onboard (subject to availability). Just arrive a tad early and we'll get you sorted. We'll see you on the river.
visitbackobourke
Winter in Bourke... Every January, when we're sitting outside the pub in 46-degree heat, us locals all say the same thing... "We'll never complain about the cold again." Then this past weekend arrived... and, well... you know the rest. 😂 Jack Frost certainly made himself at home, but those frosty mornings soon gave way to blue skies, sunshine and beautiful afternoons. That's winter in Bourke. If you've never experienced it, now's the time. If not this year, make it part of next year's travel plans. Give it a few months and we'll all be saying, "Bring back those frosty mornings!" Then winter will roll around again, we'll complain about the cold, and the whole conversation starts over. Truth be told... we wouldn't have it any other way.
visitbackobourke
The Louth Races are never just one day of racing — they’re a week-long party. It’s old friends, new friends and catching up with that bloke you met at the golf day nine years ago. It’s the fete, raffles, live bands, Shindy's Inn Louth and plenty of stories that probably won’t make it back home. The races hit the track on Saturday, 8 August, but don’t rush the trip. Stay at the Mulga Creek Hotel or one of the many farm stays around Bourke Shire and Louth. Spend some time in Bourke, cruise the mighty Darling River aboard the Jandra Paddle Vessel and enjoy everything the Back O’ Bourke has to offer. We already know how much fun you’ll have in Louth this August. Planning ahead? Lock it in, Eddie, for next year too — we know we won’t hear one complaint. #destinationnsw #australianhistory #BackOBourke #DarlingRiver
visitbackobourke
Sometimes it's the quiet moments that stay with you the longest. Sitting by the Darling-Baaka, watching the river roll by, is often all it takes to leave a lasting impression... and a reason to come back to the Back O' Bourke. If you've just arrived – welcome. If you're heading home – thanks for spending time with us. We love having you here and hope to see you again soon. Safe travels.
visitbackobourke
Planning your Bourke visit? Start with the locals who know where to send you. The Back O’ Bourke Information Centre is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm during tourism season, and our tourism team are ready to help with maps, local tips, road questions, town history, hidden gems and all the “what should we do while we’re here?” moments. While you’re in, ask about a combo ticket — wander through the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, then step aboard the Jandra paddle vessel for a cruise along the Darling-Baaka. Call in, say g’day and let us help you make the most of your time in Bourke. We know a thing or two… and if we don’t, we know who to ask.
visitbackobourke
With the recent rain across the Bourke district, the country has turned into a lush green wonderland. For many who have only lived here a short time, it’s the first winter like this they’ve seen. The river is looking amazing, the livestock and wildlife are in their glory, and there’s plenty for locals to be thankful for. There’s not much brown to be seen, little white flowers are already appearing across the paddocks, and we can’t wait to see what spring brings with the wildflower displays. Plan your trip now, or round up your mates for a day drive if you’re local. Come and see the Back O’ Bourke looking green, fresh and fluffy. See you soon!
visitbackobourke
Looking for something to do while you’re in Bourke that won’t cost you a cent? Take yourself on a wander through town with our Windows to the Past walking trail and discover the stories behind Bourke’s old buildings, river port days, hotels, characters and historic streetscapes. Then keep the history rolling with The Pub Route — exploring the old watering holes of the West across Bourke, Cobar and Walgett. Some pubs are still standing, some are long gone, but the stories are still worth chasing. Call into the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre for local tips, maps and to grab your Pub Route book before you hit the road. A bit of walking, a bit of history, a few good yarns… and not a bad way to spend a day in Bourke.
visitbackobourke
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.
visitbackobourke
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.