| BOURKE - NEW SOUTH WALES - 2840 | ||||
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Population: 2558, Height above sea level: , Latitude: 30.07.00 Longitude: 145.55.00 Location: 780km west of Sydney Highway: Mitchell Hwy Nearest Major Town: Sydney 780 E Nearest Airport: Bourke Touring Area: Outback |
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 Main street of Bourke. | |
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Located on the Darling River in western NSW this town is an important rural centre.
A self-guided historical walk provides
an insight into the town and the Darling River Bridge (1883) was the first lift-up in NSW. It takes its name from 'Fort Bourke' a sturdy structure built by Sir Thomas (later Major) Thomas Mitchell who feared aboriginal reprisals when he settled there in 1835. It was named after the Governor of NSW at the time. Visit the 'Back O'Bourke Exhibition centre' set among river gums on the Darling banks and reflecting the history of the area. Centre of a vast outback area and of a sheep production area producing around 50,000 bales of wool annually. It claims to be the largest wool shipment area in the world. In recent years vast areas have been put aside along the Darling River for cotton growing and this new industry is gaining momentum. A popular Australian expression is 'Back O' Bourke' which indicates the towns proximity to the true Outback of Australia and it is an ideal touring area for seeing the remote parts of New South wales. There are many historical buildings to see and the Old Railway Station in Anson St has a display of aboriginal relics and crafts. Noted Opthalmologist, the late Fred Hollows grave will be found in the cemetery and a cotton gin is open for inspection. Other activities include fishing in the Darling River, and several festivals held throughout the year. Until early last century riverboats visited Bourke travelling the length of the Murray and Darling Rivers from as far away as Goolwa in South Australia. They were a lifeline for passengers and produce and the Port of Bourke was an important part of the network. PLACES OF INTEREST:
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