Events & Festivals

In case you were picturing a sleepy little town in the outback where nothing much happens, think again, because Back O' Bourke is synonymous with having a party, and the locals know how to throw one!

Bourke has long been the place to come for Easter, a significant 'return home' event for expatriate 'Bourke-ites', but also a destination for travellers seeking the beautiful autumn weather and something fun to do. At different times, the Easter weekend has hosted the 'Back to Bourke Festival', the 'Mateship Festival', races, and a swathe of other activities, so much so that 'Easter Festival' is what we now use to capture all that happens in the region.

Activities cater to every interest, including live music, markets, sports, kids' activities (like the spectacular 'Outback Colour Run'), the Wool Bale Rolling Championship, and a chance to get dressed up at the picnic races.

While Easter has the spectacular picnic races hosted at Bourke, spring sees the racing carnival shift further afield to Brewarrina, Enngonia, and Louth (for the iconic 'Louth Races'). Dusty tracks come live, as do cool evening campsites, as thousands flock to see these iconic bush race meetings and take the chance to explore the region at its prettiest.