Bourke

Bourke Galleries and Museums

Galleries, Museums and Historical Venues in and Around Bourke, New South Wales

Bourke is a small town located in the north-western region of New South Wales. Despite being a small town, it is rich in history and culture. There are various galleries, museums and historical venues in and around Bourke that showcase the town's unique heritage. Here is a list of some of the top sites to visit in the Bourke region.

1. Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre
The Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre is located on the Mitchell Highway, just north of the town. It is a state-of-the-art multimedia museum that showcases the history, culture, and natural environment of the Bourke region. The museum has interactive displays and multimedia exhibits that highlight everything from the early indigenous history of the area to the wool-growing industry and the outback way of life.

2. Bourke Historic Cemetery
The Bourke Historic Cemetery, located on Kidman Way, is an important site that has been preserved to honor the region's pioneers. It is one of the few cemeteries in Australia that is exclusively dedicated to pioneers. Many prominent people from Bourke's past are buried here, including Lewis Collins, who founded the town in 1863.

3. Western Plains Cultural Centre
The Western Plains Cultural Centre is located in Dubbo, which is about 180km from Bourke. The centre houses two museums, an art gallery and a cafe. The Dubbo Regional Museum explores the history and culture of the Dubbo region, while the Old Dubbo Gaol displays the history of Australia's prison system. The art gallery showcases local and contemporary artwork and also hosts traveling exhibitions.

4. Mulgowan (Yanda) Aboriginal Art Site
Mulgowan (Yanda) Aboriginal Art Site is an important indigenous art site located on the banks of the Darling River. It houses rock art paintings and engravings made by the Ngemba people. The site is believed to be around 10,000 years old and showcases the Ngemba people's rich cultural heritage.

5. Gundabooka National Park
Gundabooka National Park is located about 80 km west of Bourke. The park is home to sandstone hills, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife. It is an important site that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

6. Toorale Homestead and Historic Woolshed
The Toorale Homestead and Historic Woolshed are located about 60km north of Bourke. The site was once a station used for wool-growing, but it has now been converted into a historic site. Visitors can explore the site's original buildings, machinery, and wool shed.

7. Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps
The Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps, located about 140km north of Bourke, are an important site that highlights the indigenous people's traditional way of fishing. The site features a series of interconnected rock structures that create fish traps, which were used by the Ngemba people.

the Bourke region has a rich history and culture that is showcased in its various galleries, museums, and historical venues. From the Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre to the Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps, there is much to explore in the region. These sites provide a window into the region's past and present, and visitors can learn much about the people who have called it home.