Im about to ventour into the outback with my wife & 2 Doughters, 24 & 15yrs, for the first time in a few weeks, we will be in a 6 birth Campervan. We will be visiting Lightning Ridge which should be good.
Later we want to visit Dubbo & the Zoo, but not sure which Towns to visit on the way down.
We were going to go onto Bourke, maybe take a look @ Gundabooka National Park on the way down through Cobar (see the mine) and on to Dubbo, or should we forget Bourke (is there anything there) ? and go to Dubbo Via Casteragh HWY through Coonamble ?
Any suggestions
wendyv said
03:31 PM Dec 31, 2011
It is going to be pretty hot in those parts at this time of year, so may not be the best time to be heading over to Bourke. Have you thought about visiting Warrumbungles Nat Park? Will still be hot, but you will not be travelling as many kms as you would via Bourke.
Rob-A said
03:59 PM Dec 31, 2011
Thanks Wendy, I just had a quick look @ the map & that looks like a good option. I'll Google map that & have a look.
Thanks
valnrob said
04:17 PM Dec 31, 2011
Bourke is quite nice, but maybe not just now, so hot and Cobar the same, better to do inland outback in the cooler months.
NeilandRaine said
04:20 PM Dec 31, 2011
Bloody hot out there this time of the year, as has been said. Bourke like all outback towns has its history, we were there a few months back and found it interesting for historical and social education for your kids it should be good.
Rob-A said
04:46 PM Dec 31, 2011
Thanks Guys, appreciate your coments ! I would love to go to Bourke, but ya maybe in cooler months, Had a look @ Tooraweenah caravan Park in the Warrumbungles, looks like a good spot.
Thanks again everyone, I'll let ya know how we go.
Retreat said
09:12 PM Dec 31, 2011
Spend 2 or 3 days in the Ridge, do a mine tour, visit the Artesians Baths, Chambers of The Black Hand. Dubbo zoo is a must and the Brewarrina stone fish traps are interesting. All those western towns have an interesting hisory, especially those along the Darling river that depended on boats for their freight.
Warrumbungle Nation Park, Coonabarabran can certaintly be appreciated. Brand new caravan park in the Ridge (Opal Caravan Park).
Have a great trip, we did during the winter months, cold then.
chris & terry said
09:38 PM Dec 31, 2011
Some time ago I know, we went through Bourke in Oct 2008 on the start of the Darling River Run. Had planned to stay in the caravan park on the eastern approach to town, (it was listed in Camps 5), had a look though & decided otherwise, I did not like what I saw of the neighbours. Drove into town, stopping off at the police station to ask their advice on where else to stay in town only to be told they would not advise anywhere in or near town & offered I should go to the caravan park at North Bourke, I can't remember but I think some 12-15k or more out. Needless to say I took the advise of the local police.
terry
golivers travels said
10:07 PM Dec 31, 2011
Hi Rob Yes very hot at this time of the year. Warrunbungles now have powered sites if you have air con, may make it more comfy. As far as Bourke, an interesting town. If you are going there stay at Kidmans Camp about 7 km out of the town, great park. Happy travelling. Cheers Glenda
Boroma577 said
10:22 PM Dec 31, 2011
I was in Bourke in June this year and camped on the Darling at Mays Bend with no issues whatsoever. Great camping spot
Bourke is a lovely place and I would have no hesitation in going back there again.
There is much to see out in that area but not eveyone is comfortable traveling in the outback during the summer months.
When you do get to Bourke, the old Crossley Engine at the wharf is a must see as is the cemetery.
There are a number of self drive tours and you can collect maps for these at the Back of Bourke info centre.
The weir at Tilpa is also another great camping spot....both this one and Mays Bend are freebies
I also went and saw the anchient fish traps at Brewarrina and the Scarred Trees at Walgett....well worth a look see.
I camped at Lorne Station at Ligthning Ridge, I personally preferred it over the new CP.....personal choice.
-- Edited by Boroma577 on Saturday 31st of December 2011 10:25:12 PM
Vic said
10:31 PM Dec 31, 2011
If and when you do got to Bourke, I also suggest Kidman's Camp (Caravan Park) 7km north of Bourke, and also a cruise on the Darling River at the back of the caravan park. You can buy a ticket that covers the river cruise, Back of Bourke exhibition centre (just out of town) and something else I can't remember.
And don't forget to visit the grave of the legendary eye surgeon Fred Hollows in Bourke Cemetery. Info board at grave site. There is another caravan park in town but I have never stayed there, have heard mixed reports on it (neighbours etc). Make sure you lock up well if shopping at the local supermarket and don't go into Bourke after dark.
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 31st of December 2011 11:10:03 PM
Gerty Dancer said
10:32 AM Jan 1, 2012
We were at that park in Cobar last September and can recommend it, very nice. Cant remember the price but was much cheaper than Broken Hill, less crowded too.
wendyv said
12:27 PM Jan 1, 2012
There is a campground and caravan park near the Information Centre in the Warrumbungles NP. There are powered sites in two separate areas. One is newer and set out like a conventional caravan park - parking bays with garden beds between. In 2009 this was just established and there was little shade. If you continue on the road, across the creek, then turn left, there is a series of clearings along the creek, with scattered power poles, no formal marked areas. These areas are shaded and very pleasant, with BBQ firepits (though probably not able to be used at this time of year.). Both caravan areas share the one large amenities block - coin operated showers.
vkgreenie said
02:32 PM Jan 1, 2012
Giday Rob A
Haven't been to Bourke in a thousand years, ...........however I was only a little fella in those days, in the back seat of a Morris 6. That goes to show you how long ago that was.
Bourke has had it's share of difficulties by all reports a few years ago, however what I have read, things are pretty good out there now.
A year or so ago, the bride & I were relief managing a motel in Dubbo, and one of the guests was the local police inspector of the Bourke region, who gave a glowing report in reference to the pro-active policing in the area. The community in general are welcoming us Geriatic Gypsies with open arms too.
I watched a recent DVD from C & M, and by all accounts, Bourke is a must visit, these days
However as most have said this time of year, will be extremely hot.
I also think it is a real "suck it and see it " for yourself.
Cheers and beers
-- Edited by vkgreenie on Sunday 1st of January 2012 02:33:23 PM
Boroma577 said
08:34 PM Jan 1, 2012
Gerty Dancer wrote:
We were at that park in Cobar last September and can recommend it, very nice. Cant remember the price but was much cheaper than Broken Hill, less crowded too.
Gerty, I just looked online and the one at Cobar is $29 p/n powered which is dearer than the Lake View CP at Broken Hill when I stayed there in June this year which was $24 p/n.
Gerty Dancer said
10:08 PM Jan 1, 2012
Thought I must have had a senior moment so looked it up... in September BH was $31.50 (with club discount), Cobar $28. Prices change with the seasons, must have been busy season at BH, it was certainly very crowded. Thanks Baroma, next time we are there will try the Lake view .
This thread is really interesting, thanks for all the info about Bourke, we hope to be "doing" the kidman Way this Autumn.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Sunday 1st of January 2012 10:16:49 PM
Retreat said
10:20 PM Jan 1, 2012
$31.50 for us in August after Top Tourist discount
Ron and Shirley said
10:50 PM Jan 1, 2012
Bourke is a must see destination.
As mentioned previously get a mud map from the Information Centre as there is plenty to see and do. I believe the cruise on the river is good.
The first time there we stayed at Kidman camp which had only recently opened and it looked nothing like what it does now going by their website. It was very basic, but good. I believe they also now own the Park in town which is pet friendly.
Other occasions we also have camped at Mays Bend which is a great spot.
BTW
BOM site for Bourke for the next week, 39 to 42C, not for us as we would be stuck in one of the Caravan Parks inside the van with the air con going, hence not get to see around the area.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Sunday 1st of January 2012 10:54:40 PM
Rob-A said
08:46 PM Jan 2, 2012
Well thanks guys, I'm blown away by the resonce.
You have given me some good advice & information, so I now have to decided what to do & fast, ha ha. We will spend a couple of days in Lightning Ridge & do the mine tour & see the Baths & definatly visit Dubbo Zoo. The bit inbetween still not sure, but think Ill leave Bourke for another trip, so if we have time, might drop into Warrumbungle, if not just straight down to Dubbo.
It's our first trip so it will all be new to us, but I feel like a grey Nomad all read, just talking to you guys, ha ha.
Thanks again guys, I'll let ya know how we went & try to post some pic's.
Gerty Dancer said
08:51 PM Jan 2, 2012
When in Dubbo, or even instead of Dubbo, Wellington is a nice little place, interesting caves with a great caravan park beside the caves kiosk.
Rob-A said
07:00 PM Jan 3, 2012
Thanks Gerty Dancer, but we are going home Via Dunedoo, But I will remember that for the next trip. Regards, Rob.
Dougwe said
04:13 PM Jan 4, 2012
Rob-A wrote:
Well thanks guys, I'm blown away by the resonce.
You have given me some good advice & information, so I now have to decided what to do & fast, ha ha. We will spend a couple of days in Lightning Ridge & do the mine tour & see the Baths & definatly visit Dubbo Zoo. The bit inbetween still not sure, but think Ill leave Bourke for another trip, so if we have time, might drop into Warrumbungle, if not just straight down to Dubbo.
It's our first trip so it will all be new to us, but I feel like a grey Nomad all read, just talking to you guys, ha ha.
Thanks again guys, I'll let ya know how we went & try to post some pic's.
I will be very interested how you go all through that area Rob as I am going that way to Townsville in April. I have been very interested in all the comments about Bourke as I will be staying in that area at this stage.
Rob-A said
08:22 PM Jan 4, 2012
I will be very interested how you go all through that area Rob as I am going that way to Townsville in April. I have been very interested in all the comments about Bourke as I will be staying in that area at this stage.
No Worries Dougwe, I'll post any info I can about the trip, but as you can see there are loads of people with good advice on here that are willing to help.
G'Day Everyone,
Im about to ventour into the outback with my wife & 2 Doughters, 24 & 15yrs, for the first time in a few weeks, we will be in a 6 birth Campervan. We will be visiting Lightning Ridge which should be good.
Later we want to visit Dubbo & the Zoo, but not sure which Towns to visit on the way down.
We were going to go onto Bourke, maybe take a look @ Gundabooka National Park on the way down through Cobar (see the mine) and on to Dubbo, or should we forget Bourke (is there anything there) ? and go to Dubbo Via Casteragh HWY through Coonamble ?
Any suggestions
Have you thought about visiting Warrumbungles Nat Park? Will still be hot, but you will not be travelling as many kms as you would via Bourke.
Thanks Wendy, I just had a quick look @ the map & that looks like a good option. I'll Google map that & have a look.
Thanks
Bourke like all outback towns has its history, we were there a few months back and found it interesting
for historical and social education for your kids it should be good.
I would love to go to Bourke, but ya maybe in cooler months,
Had a look @ Tooraweenah caravan Park in the Warrumbungles, looks like a good spot.
Thanks again everyone, I'll let ya know how we go.
Spend 2 or 3 days in the Ridge, do a mine tour, visit the Artesians Baths, Chambers of The Black Hand. Dubbo zoo is a must and the Brewarrina stone fish traps are interesting. All those western towns have an interesting hisory, especially those along the Darling river that depended on boats for their freight.
Warrumbungle Nation Park, Coonabarabran can certaintly be appreciated. Brand new caravan park in the Ridge (Opal Caravan Park).
Have a great trip, we did during the winter months, cold then.
terry
Yes very hot at this time of the year. Warrunbungles now have powered sites if you have air con, may make it more comfy. As far as Bourke, an interesting town. If you are going there stay at Kidmans Camp about 7 km out of the town, great park.
Happy travelling.
Cheers
Glenda
I was in Bourke in June this year and camped on the Darling at Mays Bend with no issues whatsoever. Great camping spot
Bourke is a lovely place and I would have no hesitation in going back there again.
There is much to see out in that area but not eveyone is comfortable traveling in the outback during the summer months.
When you do get to Bourke, the old Crossley Engine at the wharf is a must see as is the cemetery.
There are a number of self drive tours and you can collect maps for these at the Back of Bourke info centre.
The weir at Tilpa is also another great camping spot....both this one and Mays Bend are freebies
I also went and saw the anchient fish traps at Brewarrina and the Scarred Trees at Walgett....well worth a look see.
I camped at Lorne Station at Ligthning Ridge, I personally preferred it over the new CP.....personal choice.
-- Edited by Boroma577 on Saturday 31st of December 2011 10:25:12 PM
If and when you do got to Bourke, I also suggest Kidman's Camp (Caravan Park) 7km north of Bourke, and also a cruise on the Darling River at the back of the caravan park. You can buy a ticket that covers the river cruise, Back of Bourke exhibition centre (just out of town) and something else I can't remember.
And don't forget to visit the grave of the legendary eye surgeon Fred Hollows in Bourke Cemetery. Info board at grave site.
There is another caravan park in town but I have never stayed there, have heard mixed reports on it (neighbours etc). Make sure you lock up well if shopping at the local supermarket and don't go into Bourke after dark.
http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/bourke-area/bourke
Cobar has one of the nicest caravan parks I have stayed at too, very roomy, well cared for, green sites and slabs and clean.
http://www.cobarcaravanpark.com.au/index.html#facilities
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 31st of December 2011 11:10:03 PM
Both caravan areas share the one large amenities block - coin operated showers.
Giday Rob A
Haven't been to Bourke in a thousand years, ...........however I was only a little fella in those days, in the back seat of a Morris 6. That goes to show you how long ago that was.
Bourke has had it's share of difficulties by all reports a few years ago, however what I have read, things are pretty good out there now.
A year or so ago, the bride & I were relief managing a motel in Dubbo, and one of the guests was the local police inspector of the Bourke region, who gave a glowing report in reference to the pro-active policing in the area. The community in general are welcoming us Geriatic Gypsies with open arms too.
I watched a recent DVD from C & M, and by all accounts, Bourke is a must visit, these days
However as most have said this time of year, will be extremely hot.
I also think it is a real "suck it and see it " for yourself.
Cheers and beers
-- Edited by vkgreenie on Sunday 1st of January 2012 02:33:23 PM
Gerty, I just looked online and the one at Cobar is $29 p/n powered which is dearer than the Lake View CP at Broken Hill when I stayed there in June this year which was $24 p/n.
Thought I must have had a senior moment so looked it up... in September BH was $31.50 (with club discount), Cobar $28. Prices change with the seasons, must have been busy season at BH, it was certainly very crowded. Thanks Baroma, next time we are there will try the Lake view .
This thread is really interesting, thanks for all the info about Bourke, we hope to be "doing" the kidman Way this Autumn.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Sunday 1st of January 2012 10:16:49 PM
Bourke is a must see destination.
As mentioned previously get a mud map from the Information Centre as there is plenty to see and do. I believe the cruise on the river is good.
The first time there we stayed at Kidman camp which had only recently opened and it looked nothing like what it does now going by their website. It was very basic, but good. I believe they also now own the Park in town which is pet friendly.
Other occasions we also have camped at Mays Bend which is a great spot.
BTW
BOM site for Bourke for the next week, 39 to 42C, not for us as we would be stuck in one of the Caravan Parks inside the van with the air con going, hence not get to see around the area.
http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/bourke.shtml
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Sunday 1st of January 2012 10:54:40 PM
You have given me some good advice & information, so I now have to decided what to do & fast, ha ha.
We will spend a couple of days in Lightning Ridge & do the mine tour & see the Baths & definatly visit Dubbo Zoo. The bit inbetween still not sure, but think Ill leave Bourke for another trip, so if we have time, might drop into Warrumbungle, if not just straight down to Dubbo.
It's our first trip so it will all be new to us, but I feel like a grey Nomad all read, just talking to you guys, ha ha.
Thanks again guys, I'll let ya know how we went & try to post some pic's.
Regards, Rob.
I will be very interested how you go all through that area Rob as I am going that way to Townsville in April. I have been very interested in all the comments about Bourke as I will be staying in that area at this stage.
No Worries Dougwe, I'll post any info I can about the trip, but as you can see there are loads of people with good advice on here that are willing to help.
Catch ya later
Rob.