images of bourke and the darling river

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“if you know Bourke, you know Australia” so wrote the famous Australian poet Henry Lawson in 1882. Bourke is not merely a town but a region that is the figurative demarcation between Outback Australia and the east.
Anything to the west is colloquially referred to as the 'Back o Bourke'; a term etched deeply in the Australian psyche meaning to be a long way away from anything. On the contrary, Bourke may be a distance from 'civilisation' but the further out you go the closer you get to the essence of this land. Maybe that is what Lawson was alluding.

darling river 2

color photography - bourke outback

May’s Bend, about 15km from Bourke on the Mitchell Highway is one of the best places to view the Darling River; especially at times of high flow. The Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling river 1

color photography - bourke outback

May’s Bend, about 15km from Bourke on the Mitchell Highway is one of the best places to view the Darling River; especially at times of high flow. The Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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morning light

color photography - bourke outback

A new day dawns in outback Australia; the Darling River at North Bourke as viewed from the beautifully restored North Bourke Bridge. (Looking North). Bourke Outback Australia

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old dog 1

color photography - bourke outback

Early morning at the billabong of Polygonum swamp at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables the magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback australia

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old dog 2

color photography - bourke outback

Early morning at the billabong of Polygonum swamp at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables the magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback australia

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old dog 3

color photography - bourke outback

Early morning at the billabong of Polygonum swamp at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables the magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback australia

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old dog 4

color photography - bourke outback

Early morning at the billabong of Polygonum swamp at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables the magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback australia

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lined up

color photography - bourke outback

Magnificent River Red Gums line up along the billabong of Polygonum Swamp. Early morning beside the Darling River at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables these magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback Australia.

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to the wharf

color photography - bourke outback

Looking across the Darling River at Bourke towards the Wharf; an exact replica of the Bourke wharf that serviced that paddle steamers that carted produce (mainly Wool) to Adelaide and Echuca and brought valuable supplies to the outback. Darling River Bourke outback Australia.

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ps wave (1)

color photography - bourke outback

Paddle Steamer Wave at Bourke outback australia

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ps wave (2)

color photography - bourke outback

Bourke has a rich maritime history and provides a great interpretive display at the maritime museum across the Darling River and the Bourke Wharf. During the 1929 floods, the PS Wave got stranded and there it remained. The story goes that the Skipper Lloyd Surry boasted he would carry anything and was transporting a circus (complete with the animals) when it sank. The Darling River, Bourke Outback Australia.

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bourke stockade

color photography - bourke outback

Fort Bourke Stockade; a replica of the stockade built by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1835. Darling River, Bourke outback australia

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darling shade

color photography - bourke outback

A short drive out of Bourke is the Wildlife Refuge which provides some great access to the Darling River. The boom bust nature of the river is made apparent after the subtropical rains and floods that feed the river system. It is at these times that the Darling River is at its most majestic. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW.

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across the darling

color photography - bourke outback

The view across a high flowing Darling River at Bourke's Wildlife Refuge. A short drive out of Bourke is the Wildlife Refuge which provides some great access to the Darling River. The boom bust nature of the river is made apparent after the subtropical rains and floods that feed the river system. It is at these times that the Darling River is at its most majestic. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW.

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darling reach

color photography - bourke outback

The view upstream of a high-flowing Darling River at Bourke's Wildlife Refuge. A short drive out of Bourke is the Wildlife Refuge which provides some great access to the Darling River. The boom bust nature of the river is made apparent after the subtropical rains and floods that feed the river system. It is at these times that the Darling River is at its most majestic. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW.

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bourke

color photography - bourke outback

Bourke is not merely a town but a region that is the figurative demarcation between Outback Australia and the east. Anything to the west is colloquially referred to as the 'Back o Bourke'; a term etched deeply in the Australian psyche meaning to be a long way away from anything. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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bourke bridge

color photography - bourke outback

The wonderfully restored historic North Bourke Bridge which was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. This is a Lift-up Bridge and the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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bourke bridge 2

color photography - bourke outback

The wonderfully restored historic North Bourke Bridge which was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. This is a Lift-up Bridge and the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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darling cloud

color photography - bourke outback

Wonderful outback cloud formations above a River Red Gum at the billabong of Polygonum swamp at North Bourke; the ephemeral billabong is fed by the Darling River and the intermittent water supply enables the magnificent River Red Gums to survive. Darling River Bourke outback australia

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north bourke

color photography - bourke outback

The Magnificent Darling River at North Bourke as viewed from the beautifully restored North Bourke Bridge. (Looking North). The boom bust nature of the river is made apparent after the subtropical rains and floods that feed the river system. It is at these times that the Darling River is at its most majestic. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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kidman reach

color photography - bourke outback

Just downstream from Kidman’s Camp in Bourke, these river gums get a much overdue refreshment as a high flow invigorate the river and the surrounding country. The boom bust nature of the river is made apparent after the subtropical rains and floods that feed the river system. It is at these times that the Darling River is at its most majestic. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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darling fun

color photography - bourke outback

Jet skiing and tubing on the Darling River at North Bourke. The replenishing flow down the Darling River not only replenishes a dry land but enables locals and outback tourist alike to again the joys of water sports on one of Australia’s great rivers. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling days 1

color photography - bourke outback

The afternoon sun beautifully illuminates the magnificent River Red Gums along the banks of the Darling River at Bourke. The Bourke Wharf in the eastern side (town side) of the Darling River provides the perfect vantage for experiencing the end of the day in Outback Australia. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling days 2

color photography - bourke outback

The afternoon sun beautifully illuminates the magnificent River Red Gums along the banks of the Darling River at Bourke. The Bourke Wharf in the eastern side (town side) of the Darling River provides the perfect vantage for experiencing the end of the day in Outback Australia. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling days 3

color photography - bourke outback

The afternoon sun beautifully illuminates the magnificent River Red Gums along the banks of the Darling River at Bourke. The Bourke Wharf in the eastern side (town side) of the Darling River provides the perfect vantage for experiencing the end of the day in Outback Australia. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling flow 1

color photography - bourke outback

Few things are more beautiful than the Darling River experiencing a high flow. The River Red Gums lining the banks of the Darling River get a much need drink as does the surrounding country as groundwater is replenished. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River at Bourke. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling flow 2

color photography - bourke outback

Few things are more beautiful than the Darling River experiencing a high flow. The River Red Gums lining the banks of the Darling River get a much need drink as does the surrounding country as groundwater is replenished. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River at Bourke. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling flow 3

color photography - bourke outback

Few things are more beautiful than the Darling River experiencing a high flow. The River Red Gums lining the banks of the Darling River get a much need drink as does the surrounding country as groundwater is replenished. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River at Bourke. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: darling flow 3

 

darling flow 4

color photography - bourke outback

Few things are more beautiful than the Darling River experiencing a high flow. The River Red Gums lining the banks of the Darling River get a much need drink as does the surrounding country as groundwater is replenished. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River at Bourke. . The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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red gum

color photography - bourke outback

The Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River Bourke. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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red gum 2

color photography - bourke outback

The Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. The Fisheries Reserve reach of the Darling River Bourke. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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weir cloud

color photography - bourke outback

Beautiful outback clouds float over the reach of the Darling River where the lock and weir is; although at high flow it is well and truly under water. Located about 5km west of the town, the weir and lock was built to ensure constant water supply to the town and was the first of its kind to be built in Australia and is the only lock on the Darling. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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wharf view 1

color photography - bourke outback

The view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.

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wharf view 2

color photography - bourke outback

The view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.

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wharf view 3

color photography - bourke outback

The view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.

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wharf lines

color photography - bourke outback

Wonderful lines of the Bourke Wharf and its shadow provide a wonderful contrast to the view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling lines

color photography - bourke outback

Wonderful lines of the Bourke Wharf and its shadow provide a wonderful contrast to the view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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darling post

color photography - bourke outback

Wonderfully weathered support posts of the Bourke Wharf provide a wonderful contrast to the view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. Darling River Bourke outback Australia.

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darling timber

color photography - bourke outback

Wonderful lines of the Bourke Wharf and its shadow provide a wonderful contrast to the view upstream from the Bourke Wharf; As the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth.The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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bourke weir

color photography - bourke outback

The vitality of the Darling River is put into context when viewing the beautiful River Gums that line the banks of the Darling River; here the fine detail of the bark and roots contrasts beautifully with the majesty of the river in high flow. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

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back o' bourke 1

color photography - bourke outback

Back o Bourke Exhibition Centre Bourke Outback NSW Australia.

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back o' bourke 2

color photography - bourke outback

Back o Bourke Exhibition Centre Bourke Outback NSW Australia.

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back o' bourke 3

color photography - bourke outback

Back o Bourke Exhibition Centre Bourke Outback NSW Australia.

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lawson's words

color photography - bourke outback

Henry Lawson Back o Bourke Exhibition Centre Bourke Outback NSW Australia.

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fred hollows monument

color photography - bourke outback

Fred Hollows, famous eye surgeon had a very special relationship with the Australian Outback town of Bourke having spent a lot of time there through the 70’s and developed many close friends there and had a wonderful affection for the town and the region. Consequently, after his death in 1993, he was buried in the Bourke cemetery. A beautiful monument has been placed at his grave.Bourke Outback NSW Australia.

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the jandra 1

color photography - bourke outback

A lady of the river; the PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. Darling River Bourke outback Australia

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the jandra 2

color photography - bourke outback

A lady of the river; the PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. Darling River Bourke outback Australia

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the jandra 3

color photography - bourke outback

A lady of the river; the PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. Darling River Bourke outback Australia

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the jandra 4

color photography - bourke outback

A lady of the river; the PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. Darling River Bourke outback Australia

Read more: the jandra 4

 

the bridge 1

color photography - bourke outback

When viewed from the banks of the Darling River, the beauty of the North Bourke Bridge becomes more apparent. The North Bourke Bridge across the Darling River was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. This is a Lift-up Bridge and the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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the bridge 2

color photography - bourke outback

When viewed from the banks of the Darling River, the beauty of the North Bourke Bridge becomes more apparent. The North Bourke Bridge across the Darling River was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. To enable paddle steamers to pass in times of high-flow, the centre of the bridge can be lifted; the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

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jandra and bridge 1

color photography - bourke outback

The Darling River at North Bourke takes on a timeless quality when the wonderfully reconstructed PS Jandra plies the Darling under the North Bourke Bridge. The North Bourke Bridge across the Darling River was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. To enable paddle steamers to pass in times of high-flow, the centre of the bridge can be lifted; the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

Read more: jandra and bridge 1

 

jandra bridge 2

color photography - bourke outback

The Darling River at North Bourke takes on a timeless quality when the wonderfully reconstructed PS Jandra plies the Darling under the North Bourke Bridge. The North Bourke Bridge across the Darling River was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. To enable paddle steamers to pass in times of high-flow, the centre of the bridge can be lifted; the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

Read more: jandra bridge 2

 
 

jandra bridge 3

color photography - bourke outback

The Darling River at North Bourke takes on a timeless quality when the wonderfully reconstructed PS Jandra plies the Darling under the North Bourke Bridge. The North Bourke Bridge across the Darling River was decommissioned in 1998; the first bridge built over the Darling at North Bourke was built in 1883. To enable paddle steamers to pass in times of high-flow, the centre of the bridge can be lifted; the remains of the pulleys and cogs can be easily seen. The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback NSW

Read more: jandra bridge 3

 

jandra reach 1

color photography - bourke outback

Easy to imagine this scene 100 years ago as the paddle steamer Jandra rounds a bend of the Darling River at North Bourke (near Kidman’s Camp). . The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: jandra reach 1

 

jandra reach 2

color photography - bourke outback

Easy to imagine this scene 100 years ago as the paddle steamer Jandra rounds a bend of the Darling River at North Bourke (near Kidman’s Camp). . The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: jandra reach 2

 
 

jandra reach 3

color photography - bourke outback

Easy to imagine this scene 100 years ago as the paddle steamer Jandra rounds a bend of the Darling River at North Bourke (near Kidman’s Camp). . The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: jandra reach 3

 

jandra reach 4

color photography - bourke outback

Easy to imagine this scene 100 years ago as the paddle steamer Jandra rounds a bend of the Darling River at North Bourke (near Kidman’s Camp). . The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: jandra reach 4

 

jandra reach 5

color photography - bourke outback

Easy to imagine this scene 100 years ago as the paddle steamer Jandra rounds a bend of the Darling River at North Bourke (near Kidman’s Camp). . The PS Jandra is a replica of the original, dutifully built by Outback orchardist Russell Mansell. The original Jandra was built in the 1890’s and acquired and operated by Walter and Herbert Brown on the Darling River around Bourke. Fire destroyed the Jandra in 1926. The Darling River, Bourke, Outback Australia

Read more: jandra reach 5

 
 

wharf swim

color photography - bourke outback

Cooling off with a refreshing swim at the Bourke Wharf this boy provides a timeless element to the scene as the Outback comes back to life after rains in southeast Queensland, the Darling River is at its best when replenishing rains from the Darling Downs sweep down the majestic river reinvigorating the life in and around the river on its journey south west to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth. Darling River Bourke Outback Australia.

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