Is'nt there some real, "Low Life " out there  ???

I think it's about time that the Courts made a real example of the guilty ones. 

All those in agreement to a "Public Flogging",,,,,,, Raise your Hands !!!

Let's hope the poor bloke who was robbed, had his vehicle insured,

 

Gday...

I had heard this report on the ABC news during yesterday. My ears pricked up because I will be travelling through Bourke next week.

However, I will be staying in the Mitchell Van park because of Bourke's reputation and also from what I have observed on previous times I have been in or through Bourke. Indeed, I understand due to increasing 'problems' in Bourke the Mitchell Van Park has installed an electric fence around its boundary for added protection from intruders.

Having said that, Anson Street is in the town. I am not aware of a 'camp' or even a 'rest area' in Anson Street.

Apart from highlighting the sometimes potential threat of camping on the side of the road, it should also highlight, and reinforce, that it is always unwise to sleep on the side of a road/street within a town. There are 'low-life' in all towns - big or small, city, urban or country.

Let's hope the 'victim' recovers and that the ute was insured.

Cheers - John

could not agree more the problem is no polly has the guts to stand up and say it well I guess we vote them in maybe we need to flog the pollys

 

peter m 

Hmmmmmm, Bourke was/ is on my intinary when I head back to Rockhampton!!!!! Perhaps my " persuader" Mr Browning should be handy in that area, Or maybe give it a wide Berth after dark, the more likely options.

yES JULES i WAS IMPRESSED WITH kIDMA CAMP GREAT SPOT TO STAY

We stayed at Bourke, at Kidman Camp (Caravan Park) 7kms north of town, and did our Bourke touring from there.

Bourke was one of the highlights of our trip and not to be missed IMHO.  The other caravan park in town is the one with the electric fence, Kidman Camp does not need it being further out of town and is very safe.  

Highlights of Bourke were the Outback Centre (just north of the town), the Darling River Cruise (jetty at the back of Kidman Camp) and the visit to Fred Hollows grave in the town cemetery.  He wanted to be buried there and he was buried with a bottle of his favorite whisky, pipe and favorite tobacco.    I don't know why (have guessed though) but his grave was later covered with a large piece of heavy granite.

Maybe someone had heard of what was in the grave with him?   There info boards on Fred at his grave site too.

Anyone one who free camps near the town there is very foolish, but perhaps they were not aware of the dangers.

The supermarket there is an eye opener with the high cyclone fence around it, just lock up well if you have to use it.

Do not miss or avoid Bourke in general, you will miss a great spot to visit, just use your nut where you stay and don't go out at night!

I was in Bourke on the last day of June and found it all right.  The Discovery Centre was very nice but seemed to be rather out-of-place for a town like Bourke.  It was very educational but I can't see how it could pay for itself.  

The old bridge in North Bourke was interesting especially the bird life along the river and nearby Fred Hollow's grave.  In the early evening, I wandered down to a club as I was staying at the Major Mitchell Motel on that occasion.  I don't think I would go out after dark or free-camp in Bourke but otherwise it is a nice country town.   

Gday...

There is a fair bit of 'balance' in the posts here and it is welcoming to read them. I, too, enjoyed my stay in Bourke - spent 5 days there. Did all the tourist things mentioned, as well as some other 'bush wandering' advised by helpful locals. The Bourke RSL was a great and friendly place - quality raffles, pokies, great tucker sensibly priced.

Yes, it is a town with some 'issues' (as many outback Australian communities have) - but by being sensible you will not encounter any problems.

As Gerty sez - "Anywhere in Australia, or overseas for that matter, you'd be taking a risk sleeping in your swag in the streets of a town/city. Stupid" ... I think most of us would acknowledge that people suffer the same fate as the couple in Bourke in EVERY TOWN/SUBURB in Australia - every evening news service is like that song - a horror movie. People who live in cities are probably more vulnerable than we campers - as long as we are camped using common sense.

So I guess the lesson is - camp sensibly in sensible areas ... be aware of your surroundings (night time is always a wary time) ... and enjoy every town our country has to offer.

Cheers - John

We now always stay at Kidmans Camp, out at North Bourke, when going through that way. Bourke itself is well worth visiting, and having a look around - but we certainly prefer to be out of town at night.

On the issue of not free camping less than 10-20kms out of town.
What about Bingara - there is 7 day free camping all along the river very close to town?
We had a look in April and it looked lovely we were intending heading that way in December.
What do people think?

ChrisandPeter wrote:

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On the issue of not free camping less than 10-20kms out of town.
What about Bingara - there is 7 day free camping all along the river very close to town?
We had a look in April and it looked lovely we were intending heading that way in December.
What do people think?

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 I think it is the old saying "safety in numbers", if your fellow campers look ok and there are a few there, you should be ok.

I think camping alone close to towns is the bigger risk.....

Yep! my post was a bit short and blunt. Common sense, gut feeling and if there are other campers around is the way we go as well. Ther are lots of great places close to towns, have a look and make your own decision.

Johnw

Duh wrote:

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When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs..... 

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 Struth Vic!

Duh wrote:

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When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs..... 

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 These days, you are taking a risk even walking in the main streets of Alice Springs at night.