NSWPort & river
Bourke
The Darling was an inland freight route.
1861Town established
WHAT STARTED IT
Bourke grew at a river crossing and shipping point serving the western pastoral country. Paddle-steamer trade linked station wool and supplies to the wider colonial economy.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Wharves, merchants and later rail connections made it a regional centre. Road transport replaced much of the river trade, while the phrase “back of Bourke” gave the town a larger place in Australian imagination.
TURNING POINTS
1861The town is established.
1867Steamers clear the season’s wool from Bourke and carry it down the Darling to Goolwa.
Late 1800sWharves support the wool trade.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A service centre for surrounding pastoral properties and communities, with river heritage and outback tourism. Its location still makes it a focal point in the far west.