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…
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…
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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Happy 22nd of June! In just over six months it will be Christmas. It will be summer......We’ll all be over school runs, Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, wondering who is bringing the ham, and pretending we’re “nearly organised”. So here’s a thought…Make the most of your mental health now. June, July and August out here in Bourke are something special. Cool mornings, big blue skies, sunsets that stop you in your tracks, sunrises worth getting up for, stars by the millions, and a full moon making an appearance next week just to show off. The days are slowly getting longer, the weather is beautiful, and the Back O’ Bourke is sitting here waiting for you. So how did we go? Have we sold it enough? Are you coming to say G’day? We’re here, we’re ready, and we’d love to show you exactly why we love the Back O’ Bourke.
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Breakfast in Bourke? Now we’re talking. There might not be a fast food drive-through for almost four hours, but don’t feel sorry for us — Bourke knows how to do breakfast. You can start the day with coffee and breakfast at the Back O’ Bourke Café, grab a service station favourite on the run, call into the supermarket for something easy, or head to one of our village stores or pubs where a good feed usually comes with a better yarn. And let’s be honest — every town has its breakfast traditions, and around here a Morrall’s pie and a bottle of Rice’s Splash cola has got plenty of locals through a big day. Heading out early? Jumping aboard the Jandra? Hitting the road? Wandering around town pretending you’re “just having a look”? You won’t go hungry in Bourke. No golden arches needed — we’ve got golden pastry, hot coffee and country hospitality. Start your day the Back O’ Bourke way.
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What’s for dinner? If you’re in Bourke and looking for a meal, you’re in luck — while the nearest fast food outlet might be almost four hours away, Bourke and our villages still have the goods! From good old-fashioned pub meals at the Port of Hotel, North Bourke Hotel, Mulga Creek Hotel Byrock, Shindy’s Inn Louth, Oasis Hotel Enngonia and the Wanaaring Store — you’ll be spoilt for choice. We recommend them all, so why not make it a challenge and see how many you can tick off while you’re here? But wait, there’s more! We’ve also got Chinese at the Bowling Club, local service stations cooking up more than just hot chips, fresh pizzas, supermarket delis, pre-packed meal options and daily specials. OOOH hang on....don’t forget the local butcher — call in and sample Bourke’s famous chicken legs. You won’t believe it’s chicken… and no, we’re not explaining that any further. And that’s only dinner. The Back O’ Bourke is never short of a great meal, a cold drink and even better company. #explorensw #RoadTripReady #countryhospitality #stayawhile #supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #Bourke
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🖤🤍 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.