Things to do in Bourke, NSW: Best attractions, activities & tours

The best things to do in Bourke, NSW, include the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, Darling River cruises on the PV Jandra and climbing Mount Oxley.

Bourke, NSW, is in the north-west of the state. In Australia, anything “back o’ Bourke” – ie. To the west – is considered outback.

Tourists are only going to encounter Bourke on a determined road trip through country and outback New South Wales. But if you do make it this far, there are a few things to do in Bourke.

Much of Bourke’s charm comes from its history as a 19^th century trading post. Bourke’s location on the Darling River turned it into a key river port. Goods from pastoral properties for hundreds of kilometres around came through Bourke.

Things to do in Bourke, NSW: Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre

The first stop should be the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre. Unlike many dreary local history museums, this one has some money and ambition behind it. There’s good use of technology and interactivity to tell tales of bushrangers, the grazing industry and outback life. This is also where you can get tickets for Darling River cruises aboard the PV Jandra. These hour-long cruises depart from the Kidman’s Camp caravan park at 9am and 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Bourke tourist maps

The Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre also hosts this Mitchell Highway town’s visitor information centre. From here, you can pick up ‘mud maps’ allowing you to do self-guided tours around the area. One of these mud maps covers the town’s historic buildings, including the handsome old courthouse.

The historic wharf, evoking the days of wool being loaded onto paddlesteamers, is also worth a look.

Things to do in Bourke, NSW: Gundabooka National Park and Mount Oxley

If you prefer the great outdoors, the Gundabooka National Park is off the Kidman Way on the drive from Bourke to Cobar. This national park offers challenging walks around Mount Gundabooka, lots of wildlife and impressive Aboriginal rock art.

Head west instead along the Kamilaroi Highway towards Walgett, and you can branch off towards Mount Oxley. This 150 metre-high inselberg rises above the plain in a similar way to Uluru. It’s on private property – so get a permit from the visitor centre before attempting the climb.