🔍

North Bourke

NSW 2840 • New South Wales

200
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
4233.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordable

About North Bourke

North Bourke is a small outback locality situated on the north bank of the Darling River, directly opposite the town of Bourke in the far north-west of New South Wales, approximately 800 kilometres north-west of Sydney. The locality falls within the Bourke Shire and covers an expansive 4,234 square kilometres of remote pastoral land — largely flat, semi-arid country with sparse mulga scrub and Mitchell grass plains. The 2021 census recorded around 200 residents, with a notable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population reflecting the deep Indigenous heritage of the Darling River region.

North Bourke is deeply connected to the culture and history of the Darling River — the lifeblood of the far outback — and to the broader Bourke township, which lies just across the Darling River via the famous Back O' Bourke suspension bridge. The area is known for its extreme heat, stunning sunsets, and the iconic outback atmosphere that inspired the Australian saying 'back o' Bourke' to mean somewhere extremely remote. Birdwatching, river fishing, and four-wheel-drive touring are popular activities in the region, with the Darling River home to abundant native wildlife.

North Bourke falls under postcode 2840 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2840
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Barwon
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.75°, 146.08°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4233.88 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Bourke Bus Service / NSW TrainLink coach — Dubbo (connecting train to Sydney) ~3 hr to Dubbo

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
800 km
By Train
NSW TrainLink coach to Dubbo, then Inland Explorer train to Sydney (~10-11 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
8 hr - 9 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
7 hr 30 min - 8 hr

🛣️ Extremely remote outback locality; Bourke township is accessible across the Darling River bridge

Walkability Car-Dependent

Remote outback locality; residents walk or drive to Bourke across the Darling River bridge for all amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in North Bourke by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View North Bourke Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "North Bourke" under Suburb

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
200
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is North Bourke NSW located? +

North Bourke is located on the north bank of the Darling River in far north-west NSW, directly opposite the town of Bourke, approximately 800 km north-west of Sydney.

What is North Bourke known for? +

North Bourke is known for its remote outback setting on the Darling River and its connection to Bourke — the town that inspired the phrase 'back o' Bourke', meaning somewhere extremely remote. The area has deep Indigenous cultural significance.

What is the population of North Bourke? +

North Bourke had approximately 200 residents according to the 2021 Census, within the vast Bourke Shire of north-west NSW.

How do you get to North Bourke? +

North Bourke is accessible by car via the Mitchell Highway or the Kamilaroi Highway. NSW TrainLink coaches serve Bourke (connecting to Dubbo rail). The locality is connected to the Bourke township by the historic Darling River suspension bridge.

What is the climate like in North Bourke? +

North Bourke has an arid outback climate with very hot summers (often exceeding 40°C) and mild winters. Annual rainfall averages around 330 mm, making the Darling River the region's most critical water source.