Bourke
New South Wales
With the Australian expression "back o' Bourke" referring to the Outback, Bourke represents the edge of the settled agricultural districts in Western NSW and the gateway to the Outback. Bourke, with a population of just over 2,000, is approximately 800kms north west of Sydney on the Darling River.
The town was originally settled in the 1820s and was called Prattenville, and was renamed Bourke in the 1830s after Governor Richard Bourke of New South Wales. The countryside around Bourke is used mainly for sheep farming, with some irrigated fruit and cotton crops near the river.
The Bourke Visitor Information Centre can be found on Anson St in Bourke, or call them on +61 2 6872 1222
The Darling River
The Darling River is 1,472 kilometres (915 miles) long, starting in northern NSW and flowing into the Murray River at Wentworth, New South Wales. The Darling begins near Brewarrina and flows from the Culgoa and Barwon rivers, which are fed from the southern ranges of Queensland.
As the Darling River flows through Bourke, it makes the perfect setting to relax and unwind. If you enjoy fishing then try your luck catching the much sought after Cod or Yellowbelly, or take a river cruise on the Jandra Paddleboat, a replica paddle vessel that cruises the river. You can also do a self drive along the Darling River Run and explore the regions historic towns, retrace the steps of the explorers Sturt, Mitchell, Dowling, Burke and Will, and see the pastoral kingdoms created by Kidman, Tyson and McCaughey.
Gundabooka National Park
Gundabooka National Park is a 43,000 hectare park approximately 50kms south of Bourke, off the Kidman Way. The main feature of the park is Mount Gundabooka which rises to a height of 500 metres and gives you views across the landscape of the Gundabooka Range.
The Gundabooka National Park is of great cultural significance to the Ngemba Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Rock Art have been found under several overhangs and they include paintings such as hand stencils, dancers, animals and other motifs.
There are many walks you can do in the park, both self walking tracks and guided tours.
Walks
Mulareenya Creek Art Site Track
This 1km return walk leaves from the Mulgowan car park to Mulareenya Creek, where you will be able to see Aboriginal rock art. The walk is classified as easy.
Little Mountain Track
This walk is a little bit more difficult and is a 4.8km, 3 hour return walk, with a classification of medium difficulty. This track will lead you through mulga woodlands to Little Mountain. From the summit, there's an outstanding view of the entire northern escarpment of the Gunderbooka Range. The walk starts from the Dry Tank Visitor Area.
Guided Tours
Mulgowan Art Site Tour
An Aboriginal Discovery ranger will walk you back in time and offer a traditional insight into the importance of Gundabooka rock art to local Ngemba people.
Accommodation
Camping is available in the Gundabooka National Park at the Dry Tank camping ground. You can also stay at the Belah shearers' quarters, Belah Governess's Cottage and Redbank Homestead.
Visitors must contact the National Parks Office in Cobar or Bourke before visiting Gundabooka National Park, also contact them for tours and accommodation options. Access to the park is by dry weather roads only.
Bourke National Parks Office
Mt Oxley
Mt Oxley is approximately 50kms south east of Bourke towards Brewarrina. It has spectacular views across the mountain ranges, and sunsets are stunning with vibrant pinks and purples painting the sky. To access Mt Oxley, you will need to obtain a key from the tourist information centre in Bourke.
49.5k by road from Bourke to the Southeast heading towards Brewarrina. Magnificent views from the top looking back to the west over town and to the mountain ranges to the south. Wedge tailed eagles can be seen.
Brewarrina
Located approximately 100kms east of Bourke is the township of Brewarrina. With a population of around 1,100, Brewarrina is located at the head of the Darling River, where the Barwon river becomes the Darling.
Brewarrina's most significant feature is its Aboriginal fish traps that are believed to be at least 40,000 years old. Consisting of a series of stone weirs forming small channels that stretch for half a kilometere along the river, fish were directed into the small areas where they can be easily caught. The traps were included in the National Heritage List in June 2005. You can join a guided tour with the local Aboriginal people where they explain the significance of the site, along with other cultural areas, including Hospital Creek and the Ochre Beds.
Comeroo Camel Station
The Cameroo Camel Station is a 100,000 acre working sheep and cattle station which has been in the Sharp family since 1919. At Comeroo you can go on a camel trek, try your hand at fishing, go on a 4WD tour, canoe up the creek or simply relax in the artesian spa with its natural therapeutic and healing mineral waters coming up from deep underground.
Comeroo has plenty of powered and unpowered camping sites with room for caravans, along with bedding accommodation also available from one person, to families or social groups.
Telephone: +61 2 6874 7735
www.comeroo.com
Kallara Station
Kallara Station is a 150,000 ace working sheep station, located on the Darling River near the town of Tilpa, approximately 200kms from Bourke. The station has 32kms of Darling River frontage and is a fantastic place for bird watching and fishing.
Kallara Station offers a range of accommodation, from luxury to budget, as well as caravan and camping with powered and non-powered sites.
Telephone: +61 2 6837 3963
www.kallarastation.com.au
Bourke Visitor Centre
Railway Station Building
Anson Street
Bourke
NSW, 2840
Telephone: +61 2 6872 1222
www.www.visitbourke.com
stuart@bourketouristinfo.com.au
Bourke Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 37.2 | 35.7 | 32.8 | 28.2 | 22.7 | 18.9 | 18.6 | 21.2 | 25.9 | 29.7 | 32.1 | 35.6 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 22.4 | 21.7 | 18.4 | 13.6 | 8.3 | 6.1 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 9.9 | 13.8 | 17.5 | 20.4 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 19.1 | 20.2 | 36.9 | 29.9 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 12.9 | 14.1 | 11.1 | 19.7 | 41.1 | 23.2 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 4.2 | 5.8 | 4.9 | 2.5 | 3.6 | 6.2 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 6.3 | 3.5 |