Back 'O' Bourke, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Apr 14th, 2007
When people say "Back O Bourke" mostly they're referring to Australia's outback. Bourke itself is the edge of the outback for
New South Wales and is located 789 km north-west of
Sydney. It's an exciting inland town with a rich historical tradition and a population of around 3000.
Bourke was the inspiration for one of our much loved poets! Henry Lawson is quoted as saying 'if you know Bourke, you know Australia'. Henry Lawson lived in Bourke in 1892-3 and wrote some of his best stories on the subject of Bourke and the lives of those who lived and worked there.
And it was the Scottish poet, Will Ogilvie, who coined the phrase "Back O' Bourke".
Bourke was also once a thriving port, with hundreds of paddle-steamers passing through. In 1859 it was established as a paddleboat destination. It was surveyed in 1862 and became the major inland port on the Darling River. Paddleboats ran the Darling until 1931.
Today, the
Jandra paddleboat operates daily and it recaptures the romance of the old river-steamers, with a 2-hour cruise along the quiet waters of the Darling River.
The Jandra leaves from the
Kidman's Camp Caravan Park during the season which runs from
Easter to October Long weekend.Kidman's Camp is a great Bourke base for all the family and offers a range of accommodation options, all with a taste of the outback.
Further Information:Kidman's Camp Stockmen Suite - 3 nights for the price of 2 from $180 a couple. Valid to 14/7/07. Excludes school holidays.
First 50 callers. Call
(02) 6872 1612. Prices correct at 14/4/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Luna Park Sydney Free Entry. Unlimited Ride Pass. $20 - $42 depending on height.
