Winter boom keeps Bourke bustling
Story: Kristin Murdock and Rod Corfe
Winter has once again cemented its reputation as Bourke’s busiest tourism season, with visitors continuing to flock to the region despite recent fuel price pressures and intermittent road closures.
Bourke Shire Council Economic Development Manager Mel Milgate said the town had enjoyed an outstanding winter season, with caravans, motorhomes and travellers filling the streets over the past six weeks.
“It’s impossible not to notice the visitors that we have seen rolling through Bourke over the last six weeks. It’s incredible,” Mel said.
“Of course, when the fuel crisis hit us, we were very much saying, ‘Stay another day if you can and make Bourke part of your travels.’ It’s happening. People haven’t stopped travelling. They’re still coming to Bourke.”
Mel said the cooler months remained the ideal time to experience the outback, with colourful winter landscapes adding to the appeal.
“This is the best time of year to be out here, and Bourke Shire has had a wonderful tourism season so far,” she said.
One of the biggest beneficiaries has been the iconic paddle vessel Jandra, which continues to attract strong passenger numbers.
“Over 3,000 passengers have travelled on the Jandra so far this year,” Mel said. “We are well and truly up by some 1,200 passengers on last year’s numbers.” […]
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