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…
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
It’s heating up in Bourke, but we’re still OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Don’t let the warmer weather fool you – we’re still here, and there’s plenty happening at the Back O’ Bourke! Looking for a gift, a spot of Christmas shopping, breakfast, smoko or a tasty lunch? We’ve got you covered! Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre: 9am – 5pm Back O’ Bourke Café: 9am – 3pm Great food, gift ideas and friendly faces ready to say g’day! #backobourke #visitbourke #shoplocal
visitbackobourke
A little history, a little mystery… and a whole lot of Bourke! Planning your 2027 outback adventure? Bourke has a story around every corner! On the corner of Mitchell and Sturt Streets once stood Joseph Becker’s Bond Store, later known as Caro’s Store. Becker was no ordinary shopkeeper, earning himself the nickname “The King of Bourke!” The adjoining hall hosted skating, dances and celebrations before becoming an emergency hospital during the devastating 1890 flood. Just imagine the stories those walls could tell! Make Bourke part of your 2027 road trip! Wander our historic streets, discover the stories and see why there’s so much more to the Back O’ Bourke! #visitbourke #backobourke #explorebourke #outbacknsw
visitbackobourke
As another cruise season wraps up, we just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who stepped aboard the PV Jandra, supported our crew, shared a cruise with family and friends, and helped make another wonderful season on the Darling River possible. We'll be back on the water before you know it, with cruises returning at the end of March ahead of Easter 2027. See you next season!
visitbackobourke
☕️ Here's today's big question. What's your Back O' Bourke Café order? Are you choosing one of our crowd favourites, or keeping it simple with a chocolate thickshake and a toasted sanga? Either way, it's a pretty good way to spend an hour. Drop in, pull up a chair, catch up with friends and let someone else worry about the washing up. 📍 Open daily, 9am to 3pm. Because every now and then, even the fridge at home deserves a day off. 😄
visitbackobourke
🌺 One thing Bourke does well is colour. From the white bougainvillea along Oxley Street to the gardens at Darling Park, our streets are looking vibrant and welcoming. These little touches make a big difference, creating spaces that locals can enjoy and visitors remember. So next time you're out and about, take a moment to enjoy the gardens, the flowers and the colour that helps make Bourke feel like home. We certainly love our plants, and they do a great job of showing Bourke at its best. 🌸🌿☀️
visitbackobourke
🌧️ Dear Tourists, The rain is fantastic. If your travel plan includes the words "How boggy could it be?", we'd strongly suggest a new plan. Maritime Trail and Mays Bend are off the menu for now, so please check road conditions before heading out. The good news? There's still plenty to enjoy in the Back O' Bourke. • Jump aboard the Jandra • Explore the Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre • Take a trip to Wanaaring via sealed roads • Pick up a bakery pie • Cool off at the pool • Or do what the locals are doing and sit back watching the puddles fill Remember, just because it's a 4WD doesn't mean it's a submarine. See you soon. Hopefully at the pub, not at the end of a snatch strap. 🍺🚜
visitbackobourke
Flashback to Good Friday in Bourke! Colour, music, river cruises on the Jandra, tours, and plenty of dancing at the Billabong Sessions on the Back O' Bourke Café grounds. There were smiles, laughs, great company and memories made all day long. Who's ready to do it all again next Easter? Put a pin in Bourke and start making memories with us. #backobourke #easterinbourke #billabongsessions #visitbourke #makememories
visitbackobourke
Everyone's heard of the Back O’ Bourke. But have you experienced it? From river country and rich Aboriginal culture to historic landmarks, breathtaking sunsets and true-blue outback hospitality, this is where Australia's legendary spirit comes alive. The road here is part of the story. The people are the heart of it. The memories will stay with you forever. Make next season the one you finally discover the Back O’ Bourke for yourself. 🚗 Pack the car. Bring your camera. Leave with stories worth telling. #backobourke #discoverbourke #outbacknsw #roadtripaustralia
visitbackobourke
You can’t find the Back O’ Bourke on a map. It’s the feeling you get when the road opens up, the skies get bigger and life slows down. It’s red dirt, river gums, campfire yarns, unforgettable sunsets and people who still wave as you pass. The Back O’ Bourke is more than a destination. It’s the stories, the landscapes, the history, the characters and the genuine outback welcome that stays with you long after you've headed home. Next season, swap the crowds for wide-open spaces and discover the Australia you've always imagined. 📍 The Back O’ Bourke is waiting. #backobourke #outbacknsw #realaustralia #visitbourke
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Christmas? We’ve skipped ahead. 😂 We’re already thinking Easter, events and what’s happening across Bourke and our villages in 2027. Planning an Outback adventure next year? Have a scroll back through our page and see what 2026 looked like. We’ve celebrated, gathered, explored and had more than a little fun along the way. So go on, pop a pin in Bourke for 2027. 📍 Our businesses will be waiting to welcome you, the Outback will be here doing its thing, and we’ll be hoping a long hot summer brings some lovely rain with it. And to everyone who visited us in 2026, cheers! We loved having you and hope we’ll see you back our way soon. #visitbourke #backobourke #outbacknsw #Bourke2027
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🌿 Say g’day to Fred while you’re in Bourke. Tucked beneath the Coolabah trees, just near the historic cemetery, you’ll find the final resting place and memorial of Fred Hollows, who chose Bourke as the place he wanted to be laid to rest. It’s peaceful, beautifully simple and well worth the little trip out. And while you’re there, why not explore a little more of our past? Take the Bourke Historic Cemetery self-guided tour and discover some of the people and stories that helped shape our town. Say G’day to Fred, wander beneath the Coolabahs and take a walk through Bourke’s history. Sometimes it’s the quiet places that tell the best stories. ❤️ #visitbourke #backobourke #fredhollows #bourkensw #outbacknsw