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…
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…
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…
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
Chasing a feed or just need a reason to get outta town? Locals… this one’s got your name on it. Jump over the levy and head to Shindy’s Inn, Louth. Good grub, cold beers and yes — the coffee’s flowing too. How good’s this old photo of a mob of sheep wandering past the pub… but don’t follow the leader — pull in, park up and get yourself inside. Maz and Gail, the new Shindy’s crew, are ready to say g’day. Open: 8am Monday to Saturday 9am Sundays Breakfast, lunch or tea — sorted. Grab your crew and make a run of it… Bourke style.
visitbackobourke
Fuel talk might be doing the rounds… but out here, we’re still doing what we do best. If you’re travelling through the Back O' Bourke region, take the turn and make it part of the trip. Mulga Creek Hotel, Byrock is the kind of stop you don’t rush past — cold drinks, good honest meals, a spot to stay, and room for the kids to just be kids. This is what a trip out west is all about… slowing down, pulling in, and enjoying the moment. You don’t need the coast — you just need a good stop, a good feed, and a Bourke sunset. Keep heading our way… we’ll be here.
visitbackobourke
🕰️ Step Back in Time in Bourke While you're visiting Bourke, park the car and stretch your legs on the Windows to the Past walking tour. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful autumn day while discovering the stories behind our iconic historic buildings. 📍 Featured here is the Bourke Post Office — still open and operating today! Located at 47 Oxley Street, this heritage-listed building (listed June 2000) was constructed in 1880 by E. Heseler and designed by the Colonial Architect’s Office. It played a vital role as a communication hub for north-western NSW during Bourke’s booming riverboat era. Take a stroll, soak up the autumn sunshine, snap a selfie and share your Bourke moments — history is just a few steps away. #historicbourke #visitbourke #windowstothepast #outbackhistory #bourkewalkingtour
visitbackobourke
Did you know…? 🧐 The original Jandra was a steam paddle vessel, built in Mannum, South Australia in 1894 for Arthur Senior of Bourke. Fast forward to today — the Jandra you cruise on was rebuilt by Russell Mansell and his family, officially launching in 2000 as the first paddle vessel to return to the Darling River in over 60 years. This is more than just a boat ride… it’s a step back in time. Once onboard, take in the stories of river life, the rich history of the paddleboat era, and the stunning flora and fauna along the mighty Darling. If you do one thing when you visit Bourke — make it this. 🎟 Book at the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre 📞 (02) 6872 1321 📍 Cruises depart from the dock at Kidman’s Camp during visitor season Jump on board — the river is calling 🌅 Photos - construction at Mansell's Farm & life on the darling 2023!
visitbackobourke
Cooler days are rolling in… and this is when Bourke really turns it on ✨ Sunsets dial up the colour, the stars put on a proper show, and there’s nothing better than a campfire, good company and a yarn under a sky full of twinkles. Stay with mates, book a farm stay, roll into a caravan park or pull up at one of our village pubs — then wander out and find your own spot in the Back O’ Bourke, away from the lights. Because out here, travel isn’t about the white line getting you here… it’s about everything you see once you arrive. Simple. Beautiful. Bourke. We’ll save you a sunset (and a few extra twinkles) — see you soon 🌅✨
visitbackobourke
We know the price of fuel is on everyone’s mind right now… But if you’re already on the road and looking for somewhere to pull up, stay a little longer and really take it all in — make it Bourke. Better yet, make it one of our Back O’ Bourke villages. Byrock, Louth and Enngonia all offer a great country pub, a place to rest and a chance to soak up the local scenery and stories. Wanaaring is well worth the drive too. Pass through Yantabulla, check out the Dingo Fence — open the gate, step into Queensland, snap a pic — then head on to Hungerford and the Royal Mail Hotel, now open Thursday to Saturday with new managers. If you’re travelling with solar and self-contained, or just chasing a quiet spot to breathe it all in, we’ve got farm stays and some incredible National Parks waiting for you. Slow down, stay a little longer… and take a big Bourke breath.
visitbackobourke
Ever spotted a frilled-neck lizard out this way? These iconic Aussie characters are known for their dramatic neck frill — flared out to scare off predators. They’re mostly tree dwellers, feeding on insects, spiders and small critters. Despite the big show, it’s all bluff — no venom and only a weak bite. But let’s be honest… watching a frilly run is one of the greatest joys in life. You might spot them along the highways, often sunning themselves — think of it as warming up… or topping up the tan. Road trip tip: Start a car game — count how many frillies you spot before arriving in Bourke or one of our villages. Trust us… it’s harder than it sounds 😉
visitbackobourke
Make the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre your base this trip. Start here, get the local tips, and find the spots you won’t see on a map. Meet a local or two, grab a coffee or a toasted sanga from the café, and settle in. Step through the exhibition and uncover the stories of Bourke — across three buildings, rich with history, struggles, and the people who built this place and continue to be remembered today. Take your time… this is where your Bourke journey really begins. #visitbourke #backobourke #starthere #outbackstories #bourkehistory
visitbackobourke
Percy Hobson Mural – A Legend Welcomes You to Bourke Driving into Bourke along what we locals call the Dubbo Road (Mitchell Hwy if you’re following the map 😉)? Make sure you look left. Standing proud is the Percy Hobson mural — a vibrant tribute to a local legend. 🏃♂️ Born and raised in Bourke, Percy made history in 1962 as the first Aboriginal athlete to win Commonwealth Games gold, taking out the high jump and putting Bourke on the world stage. Today, this mural is more than just art — it’s a powerful welcome to town and a reminder of pride, resilience, and local greatness. 📍 Want to learn more? Call into the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre and discover Percy’s story and so many more. #visitbourke #backobourke #percyhobson #bourkelegends #outbackart #standingstories
visitbackobourke
🛑 Don’t just tick Bourke off the list… Stay. Fish the river. Jump on a cruise. Visit the Centre. Have a pub meal. Say g’day to someone you’ve never met before. That’s when Bourke becomes more than a stop — it becomes a story you’ll take with you. #VisitBourke #BackOBourke #MakeMemories #TravelAustralia
visitbackobourke
The biggest mistake visitors make? They don’t stay long enough. Between the river, the history, the people, the pubs, the stories… Bourke has a funny way of pulling you in and keeping you here. So go on — extend the trip. We won’t mind 😉 #visitbourke #staylonger #outbacknsw #backobourke
visitbackobourke
School holidays in Bourke? This is one you don’t want to miss 👀 Jump aboard and experience the mighty Darling River the way it’s meant to be seen. Pack an esky, bring a block of cheese, grab your crew and take some time to slow down and soak it all in. 🛥️ Two cruises daily Mon–Sat 🛥️ 2-hour cruise Sundays from 2pm 🎟️ Tickets available at the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre or onboard — just arrive a little earlier to secure your spot. Take your time, stay a little longer… and do Bourke properly.