Bourke Historic Wharf

Once the largest inland port on the Darling River the wharf represents Bourke’s historic link with the river trade. Now a peaceful community place to view the Darling River. The Bourke Wharf is a replica of the original wharves in Bourke. The area was considered to have little prospects for commercial activity. In the late 1850s, the Darling River was opened up as a key transport route, and river communities like Bourke grew as important transport centres. While the wharf is a replica, it has been constructed showing how the design of the wharf caters for the varying levels of water that occurs on the Darling River. Bales of wool were towed down the river by paddle steamers. Still, eventually, river transport was replaced when other forms of transport became available, and the last commercial riverboat finished in 1931. (Brian, B & W). To learn more about the history of Bourke and how the wharves were utilised visit the Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre.