DESTINATION: Bourke

Bourke

This far western Darling River town is the gateway to the real Outback and the main centre for an extensive pastoral district that produces more wool than anywhere else in New South Wales. In 1897, the construction of a lock and weir on the Darling River meant that paddlesteamers were able to go further up the river and eventually, in 1964, there was sufficient water for irrigation, allowing crops such as citrus, grapes, lucerne and sorghum to be grown. In recent years cotton farming has become one of the main industries in the area.


Main Attractions

Bourke has many historic buildings and places to see. The Back O'Bourke Mud Map Tours' booklet is available from the information centre and is an essential guide. There is also a Back O'Bourke 3hr minibus tour of the town. In season, there are tours of cotton farms. The paddle-vessel PV Jandra, is available for cruises on the Darling River. More details on these tours are available from the information centre. The Old Railway Station in Anson St has displays of Aboriginal artefacts and a selection of literature on local history. The famous eye surgeon, Fred Hollows' grave and memorial is in the cemetery.

Most popular photos

Nearby attractions

There is a wildlife sanctuary and Aboriginal rock art painted by the Ngemba tribe at Gunderbooka, 74km south. Mount Oxley is the highest landmark in the area, 34km NE.

latest stories

No items changed yet.
 

top stories

No items changed yet.
Copyright 2007, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. cmsadmin. (2005, May 20). Bourke. Retrieved December 03, 2008, from Plan Book Travel Australia Web site: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/australia/nsw/bourke. This work is licensed under a Universal Publishers. Universal Publishers

Region: The Living Outback

Opal mining, Lightning Ridge
by admin
Outback NSW is the Living Outback and provides a unique Australian experience that brings the visitor in contact with the ancient and spectacular landscape of the Outback. Discover a network of rivers and lakes, astonishing wildlife and meet the Aussie characters who are the spirit of this red land. Here you'll find rugged beauty, vivid red earth, bright blue skies, endless horizons and prolific native wildlife. Of equal interest are the mining towns of Broken Hill, Cobar, Silverton and White Cliffs. more

Local Weather

Tourist info

Old Railway Station, Anson St, Ph: (02) 6872 1222

Local Videos

Loading...

editors picks

No items changed yet.

 

 
Powered by Plone CMS, the Open Source Content Management System

This site conforms to the following standards: