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
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Standing Stories | George Orcher, Kooma Some stories are not just remembered — they are carried. George Orcher shares the powerful story of his family’s connection to Kooma Country, Weilmoringle, the Nebine River, and the journey that helped shape a community. From Nan and Pop being taken from their land, escaping at Bollon, and making their way along the river and stations, to George’s father Dudley bringing family back on horseback so Weilmoringle could have its own school — this is a story of strength, survival, family and belonging. “When Weilmoringle became a town and not a camp.” Take a moment to listen to George’s story. 🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6m6WbCsFcM #StandingStories #GeorgeOrcher #Kooma #Weilmoringle #BackOBourke #OurStories #CommunityHistory
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Crossley Engine Notice Our beautiful Crossley Engine is currently out of operation until further notice. We’re waiting on a couple of parts for this stunning piece of machinery, so for now we’re letting the old girl have a well-earned rest while repairs are carried out. Visitors are still welcome to view the Crossley while she’s resting — she may be quiet, but she’s still a beauty. We do apologise for any disappointment, as we know this is a favourite for many visitors. Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll let you know when she’s ready to fire up again.
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Have you spotted our Dance of the Echidnas at the front of the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre? This beautiful little garden is a tribute to one of our shyest and most curious locals — the echidna. Crafted with granite stones to reflect their spiky quills, it’s a lovely spot to pause, take a photo and enjoy the peaceful surrounds before heading inside. No matter which road brings you to Bourke, one thing is certain — when you arrive at the Back O’ Bourke, we’ll be here to welcome you with a smile. #backobourke #visitbourke #outbacknsw #outbackaustralia #bourke #naturephotography #travelnsw
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Green grass, stunning views and good old-fashioned Bourke hospitality — what more could you ask for? Come and explore the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre, where you can enjoy a warm cuppa, a delicious bite on the café deck, wander through our beautiful native gardens and take in the peaceful surrounds. Bourke is full of surprises, friendly faces and those little moments that make a visit memorable. So, whether you’re passing through, staying a while, or planning your next adventure — make sure the Back O’ Bourke is on your list. We’ll be here waiting with a smile. 🌿☕
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Standing proudly in Oxley Street, the Bourke Court House is one of Bourke’s most impressive heritage buildings. Built in 1900 for just £9,500, this beautiful example of colonial architecture continues to capture the attention of visitors and locals alike. Look closely and you’ll notice the crown sitting high on the building — a nod to its unique history as Australia’s furthest inland Maritime Court. Visitors are welcome to view the Bourke Court House during non-court hours, making it a wonderful stop for anyone keen to add a little history to their Bourke adventure. For further information, call into the Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre and have a yarn with the team. #visitbourke #windowstothepast #destinationnsw #historicphoto #historicbuildings #bourke #outbacknsw
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Escape to the Back O’ Bourke and spend a few magical nights beneath the stars. Pitch the tent, pull up the van or roll out the swag and settle in for wide open skies, crisp evenings and good old-fashioned campfire yarns. Out here, the best stories are told beside a crackling fire, under a blanket of stars, with the red dirt at your feet and the Darling River not too far away. Pack your gear, take the road to Bourke and enjoy the simple magic of the outback. 📸 Credit: Georgia Bragg Photography #backobourke #visitbourke #bourkensw #destinationnsw #outbacknsw #outbackaustralia #darlingriverrun #darlingriver #campingvibes #campfireyarns
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Elephants in the main street of Bourke — true story! 🐘 It’s one of those yarns us younger locals have always been told, handed down over the years — and this nostalgic snap from Bourke’s street parade back in 1965 proves it really happened. Zoom in and have a good look — the children lining the street, Hales, and some of the buildings you can still spot today when you drive down Oxley Street, Bourke. What a place to grow up. Even back then, Bourke was full of life — locals, business owners, families, visitors and people from all walks of life coming together, sharing cultures, heritage, stories and community spirit. More than 60 years later, we still value every person who chooses to make Bourke home, every visitor who takes the time to hear our stories, and everyone who stops to enjoy where we’ve been, what we’ve achieved and where we’re heading. So whether you arrive by camel, horse, caravan, car, bus — or even an elephant — we won’t judge. See you soon in the Back O’ Bourke. #backobourke #visitbourke #bourkensw #windowstothepast #outbacknsw #destinationnsw #communitystories
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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.