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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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🐰 EASTER IN BOURKE… not just a weekend, it’s a full-blown situation We’re talking colour flying everywhere, chocolate by the handful (no judgement), horses thundering past, footy getting a bit serious and friendships made before the sun even sets — plus a sunrise service on Easter Sunday for those keeping things holy before heading back to the fun. From Colour Run chaos to egg hunts, markets, music and raffles at the club… into rugby on Saturday, and finishing strong with the races — we don’t do “quiet long weekends” out here. It’s the laughs with your mates, the yarns with strangers (who’ll be shouting you a drink by the end of the day), the river, the dust, the sunsets… that’s what makes Bourke, Bourke. So pack the esky, round up the crew and stay a little longer — because one day here just won’t cut it. And do us a favour… stick to the speed limit — safer for you and easier on the fuel Get here safe… we’ve saved you a spot. See you this Easter 👋
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Feedback — good and bad — is always welcome, especially as we head into another year of uncertainty across the tourism sector. So it’s pretty special to share this from a visitor who stopped in Bourke last year — not just about our town, but about our almost famous Little Black Book. "It has always been on my bucket list… and gladly, I tell you, I was not disappointed." Our visitor travelled Australia in stages and saved Bourke for last — and we’re proud to say we delivered. Even better, our Little Black Book has become a keepsake, heading home in their ‘trip box’ of memories. That’s exactly why we do what we do — showcasing our stories, our people and our place in a way that visitors can take with them long after they leave. This year, stroll into Bourke and stay a little longer… save the fuel, slow it down and really take it all in. If Bourke’s on your bucket list… this is your sign. 📍 Come and see for yourself — and don’t forget to grab your Little Black Book.
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Someone asked this week what our tourism season will look like… The answer? Pretty simple — just like always. It might start a little quieter, maybe a few less caravans early on… but one thing hasn’t changed — everyone still wants to see the Back O’ Bourke. And we’ll be here, ready when you are. So when you do decide to visit, don’t rush it. Change your plans, stay a little longer — three nights, a week… you’ll fill it. There’s always something to see, somewhere to go, and someone to meet out here. Bourke is well and truly on the map… Have you dropped a pin in it yet? We dare ya. We can’t wait to say g’day 👋
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Getting a good photo in the Back O’ Bourke is one of the easiest things you’ll do out here. Between the sunsets, wildflowers, river, villages, rocks, wildlife and landscapes, the place practically does all the work for you. Even the green frogs look ready to smile for the camera when you say cheese. Sure, screenshots are made out here — but the real magic is in the memories you take home with you. If you can’t be here this month or next, make it the month after. Pop a pin in Bourke and come see it all for yourself. See you soon. #BackOBourke #TheGreatOutdoors #Travel2026 #BackOBourke #darlingriverrun
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Off the Back O’ Bourke Beaten Track – 3 The Jandra and the North Bourke Bridge. We know, we know — we keep saying Bourke is more than a cruise or a river, but honestly… good luck going past a ride onboard the Jandra on the beautiful Darling River. With the North Bourke Bridge looking on and the river showing off as usual, it’s easy to see why this is one of Bourke’s much-loved experiences. Some things just slow you down in the best possible way — and this is one of them. If you can’t be here this month or next, make it the month after. Pop a pin in Bourke and come see it all for yourself. See you soon.
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The Easter Bunny is flat out wrapping last-minute eggs and heading for Bourke — and she’s bringing a few mates with her. With just over a week to go until the 2026 Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival, things are starting to ramp up. The track is being prepped, food vans roll in next week, horses are on the move, the old boys are dusting off the boots, and the Colour Run powder is ready to fly. The buses are fuelled up and ready to get you to Billabong Sessions and the Picnic Races, and safely home again after the fun. Come for one event or stay for the whole weekend — just make sure Bourke is on your Easter list. bourkeraceclub Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre
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Off the Back O’ Bourke Beaten Track – 2 Our river. Our lady. Our lifeblood. Not a day goes by that we don’t talk about her, thank her, and stop to admire her beauty. The mighty Darling River is the reason Bourke is here — plain and simple. She’s more than water winding through the landscape. She’s history, life, stories and connection. She is part of Bourke’s heartbeat — steady, powerful and deeply tied to the people and stories of this place. If you can’t be here this month or next, make it the month after. Pop a pin in Bourke and come see it all for yourself. See you soon.
visitbackobourke
Fuel prices got you sticking closer to home? We get it. So this week, let the Back O’ Bourke take you off the beaten track without using a tank of diesel. Around here you’ll find wildlife, wildflowers, mulga, old pub sites, old dunnies, and enough rusty spare parts to prove bush people never throw anything away — because one day, that muffler from 1987 might just save the day. And really, that’s Bourke too — full of stories, character, history and the sort of treasures that don’t always shine at first glance. Bourke is more than a river, more than a boat cruise, and more than just a place to pass through. It’s a community, a memory, and a special part of our history. If you can’t be here this month or next, make it the month after. Pop a pin in Bourke and come see it all for yourself. See you soon. #VisitBourke #BackOBourke #historicbuilding #TheGreatOutdoors #Travel2026 #RoadTripAustralia
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🍀 Happy St Paddy’s Day from the Back O’ Bourke crew! 🍀 Whether you’re wearing green, cooking a green dinner tonight, or enjoying a cheeky glass of green grape juice… we hope the luck of the Irish is with you today. And while you’re feeling a bit festive, why not drop a big green pin in the map for Bourke and start planning your next trip west. Autumn out here is magic — warm days, sunsets that’ll knock your socks off, and the Darling River looking pretty flash at the moment. So go on… 🍀 Go green. Go west. Go Bourke. We’ll have the sunsets ready.