Nestled in a breathtaking natural setting among towering river red gums along the banks of the Darling River, the Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre in Bourke, NSW, invites visitors to discover the heart and soul of the Australian Outback. This world-class centre offers an immersive, interactive experience that brings to life the unique stories, characters, and spirit of this remote and remarkable part of the country.
Strolling through the Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre is like stepping back in time. The centre masterfully blends innovative technology with authentic storytelling to guide visitors through centuries of outback life. Through engaging displays, visual screen presentations, and interactive installations, explore themes ranging from the age of early European exploration to the legends of bushrangers, pioneering women and the grazing industry that helped shape modern Australia.
Famed poet and storyteller Henry Lawson once said, “If you know Bourke, you know Australia.” Here, in the backcountry, you can walk through the tales that defined a nation—stories of resilience, ingenuity, community, and survival in one of the harshest yet most beautiful landscapes on earth.
The Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre showcases a wide array of stories: the mystery of the Inland Sea, the historic significance of riverboats on the Darling and the vital role of the wool industry in Australia’s development. Learn about CEW Bean, war correspondent and official war historian and delve into the fascinating lives of the women of the west, the unsung heroes whose strength and determination helped build the outback.
Of course, no visit is complete without discovering the legacy of Henry Lawson himself who found inspiration in Bourke’s landscapes and people, capturing the essence of outback life in words that still resonate today.
When you arrive in Bourke, you’re not just reaching a destination—you’re stepping into a story. Because Back O’ Bourke is not just a place, it’s an invitation to discover the true spirit of Australia.
Beyond the stories of early exploration, the grazing industry, paddleboats, Outback legends, local bushrangers and poets, the Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre offers so much more to explore.
Take a relaxing stroll through the centre’s native gardens or stop a while under the shade of the red gums. Inside the centre’s gift shop, browse a selection of Back O’ Bourke merchandise and locally made products, perfect for taking a little piece of the outback home.
Whether you’re a curious traveller, history enthusiast, or simply looking to better understand what makes Australia’s Outback so special, the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre offers a rich, rewarding experience that will stay with you long after your visit.
Bourke is an outback town located on the Darling River in north-central New South Wales. Bourke is situated on the Mitchell Highway and is famous for its historic river port status, Indigenous culture and landmarks from the Cobb & Co. stagecoach era, such as the Bourke Town Trail.
One of the main attractions is the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and a cruise along the Darling River onboard the majestic Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra.
The Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre is a wonderful place to learn about the history, culture, and people of the region. The area also has a rich Aboriginal heritage, with local sites dating back thousands of years.
Visit the Bourke Wharf, a replica of the original wharves in Bourke, learn about the town’s 19th-century river port history and take a peaceful cruise on the Darling River on Jandra, a replica paddleboat.
To explore nature, there’s nearby Toorale National Park or Mount Oxley, the perfect spot to watch the sunset or spot wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles.
‘Back O’ Bourke’ is a classic Australian phrase referring to the remote Outback regions beyond the town of Bourke in New South Wales. The term gained popularity through bush poets like Will Ogilvie and Henry Lawson, who captured the isolation and resilience of life in these remote areas.
Once a major 19th-century river port for wool transport, Bourke symbolised the edge of civilisation. Today, ‘Back o’ Bourke’ is deeply rooted in Australian language and culture, evoking a sense of vast distance, rugged beauty, and the enduring spirit of the Outback.
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