Bourke Shire - Area Guide
Bourke Shire serves the far north-west of the region on the Darling (Baaka) River.
The saying ‘back o’ Bourke’ means the true Australian outback – and the town of Bourke is its gateway.
What the council offers residents
- Bourke library, public swimming pool and sporting grounds
- Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre - the region's major visitor and cultural centre
- Community halls and parks along the Darling River
- Council customer service centre for rates, waste and local enquiries
Living here
Bourke has a health service, schools and essential shops. Distances are real out here: Dubbo is about 370 km away, so plan health and government appointments together. A strong Aboriginal community and active community organisations are at the heart of town life.
Worth knowing
Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre
Where: Kidman Way, Bourke – set in native gardens by the Darling River · info@backobourke.com.au
What’s there: world-class outback exhibition, café, gardens and full visitor information services.
Visitor guide: official tourism site and downloadable guides at visitbourke.com.au.
Visitor centres are great for new residents too – free maps, local event news, and staff who know everyone. Say you’ve just moved here; they love that.