After a few days in Lightning Ridge we headed for the outback town of Bourke. We decided to take a dirt back road that runs between Cumbora and Brewarrina instead of taking the highway to Walgett and then across to Brewarrina. It was quite possibly the roughest road we have been on in a long while so it was a bit of an experience. But it did show us just how well the BT-50 tows in any conditions.
KIDMANS CAMP
Arriving in Bourke we headed out to Kidman’s Camp, an awesome
There are a variety of sites to choose from. Most are powered, although there are plenty of un-powered sites too. There were also some smaller drive – thru sites suitable for camper vans as well as some lovely looking cabins. There are plenty of trees around and lots of lovely green grass. The amenities block was large with plenty of showers and toilets and was also very clean. There is also a fantastic pool area with two pools, plenty of shade and a BBQ.
The camp kitchen at the end of the amenities block was very spacious and included two good sized barbeques in an undercover area. Inside were two large tables and chairs, a microwave, jug, toaster, 2 sets of hotplates, 2 fridges, 2 sinks and plenty of cooking pots. It was a great spot to sit and have a drink whilst dinner was cooking and chat with our fellow travellers.
BACK O’BOURKE EXHIBITION CENTRE
When you visit Bourke, a trip to the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre is a must. Housed in 3 separate buildings and joined together by walkways that wind through natural bush style gardens, the exhibition centre tells the story of Bourke. It’s pioneers, it’s innovators and its history. It is part museum, part art gallery and part info centre. We spent a good couple of hours wandering through the centre and finished off with a milk shake in the coffee shop at the end.
JANDRA PADDLE BOAT
Another must-do in Bourke is to go for a cruise along the Darling River on the Jandra Paddle Boat. The Jandra is moored just at the back of Kidman’s Camp. It is a replica paddle boat built locally in 2000 and modelled off the original PV Jandra of the 1800’s.
The Darling River was used extensively during the 1800’s and early 1900’s to transport goods up and down the river. The river boat captains were always on a schedule as they could get stuck up river for years if they ran out of water. The river was also prone to flooding as flood waters travelled down from outback Queensland.
The cruise lasted for about an hour. The Jandra captain gave an extremely informative commentary on the history of the area and paddle boats. It was a most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
There is plenty more to do in Bourke and we will definitely be going back there again.
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