GATEWAY TO THE REAL OUTBACK - 4WD COUNTRY, CAMERON CORNER, OPALS, AND OUTBACK HISTORY

Head north up to Cunnamulla and then west to Eulo, where you can visit Australia’s own Palm Grove Date Farm, run by Ian and Nancy Pike. Visitors can taste fresh, or semi-dry dates, date chews, date spread, or the Pike’s own date wine, which is very popular with visitors, Bird-watching is a rewarding hobby around Eulo.

8km out of Eulo towards Thargomindah are some mud springs. These springs release pressure that constantly builds up underground. Yowah Opal Fields are also worth inspecting. By Jackson Oil you are on dirt roads and need extra spare tyres.

Alternatively, travel via Hungerford and visit the Currawinya National Park just north of the Dingo Fence. Currawinya boasts two large lakes: a saltwater lake (18,000 acres/7,287 hectares), and a freshwater lake (12,000 acres/4,858 hectares). Bird life is prolific and well worth visiting. Call into the Royal Mail Hotel at Hungerford for up-to-date information, and a cool drink. (07 4655 4093). Hungerford has diesel and unleaded fuel available, avgas (prior notice), sealed airstrip, mail runs from Cunnamulla Tuesday & Friday, from Bourke Wednesday & Saturday. There is also a small van park with shower and toilet facilities. Remember to shut the gate!

Drivers can check road conditions and the best route to Innamincka, by calling the Trading Post on 08 8675 9900. Bird watching, canoeing, camping, and fishing. See the Burke Memorial and Dig Tree. Visit the corner of three states at Cameron Corner. Phone 08 80913308 and arrange to camp overnight at Fort Grey, Sturt National Park. Where you should be able to replenish your water

The National Parks and Wildlife Service at Tibooburra (08 8091 3308) can help with information on road conditions and more district attractions. On the way back to Bourke, visit White Cliffs, the outback opal town.

Please contact the Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre on 02 6872 1321 for further information.