Tourism picks up
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Story and photo by Beverley Callow
Despite recent fuel supply disruptions, tourism is beginning to flow back into Bourke.
The western rivers making up the Barwon-Darling system remain our strongest drawcards, with visitors and locals boarding coming to boat, fish, explore and to catch a cruise on the PV Jandra where they can experience the history, beauty and quiet of the river.
PV Jandra skipper Beresford Ralph said passenger numbers had increased significantly over the past three weeks following a difficult period during the fuel supply disruption.
“There’s a huge difference in the last three weeks; a huge difference. Tourism’s picked up. It’s three-fold.”
Captain Beresford, who started in the Australian Navy as an engineer, has held an inland waters ticket for nearly 35 years and previously worked aboard the PS Emmylou on the Murray River.
“I got a ticket on an old paddle steamer in Echuca, the home of the paddle steamer.
“In those days, I think we needed about 300,000 hours on the helm, signed off daily in the logbook by the skipper. So that takes a few years.”
For many visitors, the attraction is more than a boat ride. The cruise offers a unique perspective on Bourke, taking passengers through the history, wildlife and stories of the Darling River.
For passengers Sharyn and Matt Quigley from Ravenshoe in Northern Queensland, their travel plans were redirected by the cost of fuel.
“Due to the fuel crisis, we decided to cancel our Tasmania trip. However, we’ve found a gem in coming to New South Wales instead.” Sharyn said.
Though they said fuel had been expensive, they had not had issues with supply. “Everywhere we’ve been, including the caravan parks, there’s been plenty of fuel.
“Generally, people said tourism numbers were down during that period. It’s not quite as bad as it was, though,” she said.
The couple said Bourke has surprised them. […]
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