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Generations of Australians have talked about the “back of Bourke” as the edge of the great unknown, but visitors will be surprised to learn that Bourke itself is a fascinating and exciting inland town with a rich historical tradition. In the 1800s, the poet Henry Lawson wrote: “If you know Bourke, you know Australia”, and there’s still some truth to it.

Once a major late 19th-century river port, Bourke retains much of its heritage. Whether the Darling is at its lowest ebb or brimming with life, Bourke is a fascinating place to spend some time.

History

Charles Sturt passed through in 1824, followed by Thomas Mitchell in 1835. Mitchell constructed what he called a fort, which was little more than a shed constructed on logs, and called it Fort Bourke. Eventually, the township of Bourke developed about 13 km from this fortification.

For a couple of decades from the early 1860s, Bourke and other towns along the Darling River became important trading centres and transportation hubs.

Things to do

Walk the Heritage Trail and discover many beautiful colonial buildings.

Meander along the Darling River aboard the paddle-boat Jandra.

Explore the Aboriginal rock art at Mount Gundabooka National Park, 50 km south-west of Bourke.

Events

Bourke Show, in May, a real outback event.

Yaamma Festival, in September, celebrates indigenous culture.

Don’t miss

The re-creation of Fort Bourke, about 20 km outside town.

The graves of Afghan camel drivers at the Bourke Cemetery.

The Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre heritage facility.