Australia Outback NSW Cobar

Cobar

It was a relatively easy 194km drive on the Kidman Hwy to Cobar. 

Copper was discovered here in 1870.

 The original mine closed down in 1920 due to an underground fire that burnt for 16 years. It was later re-established the 1960’s. At its peak there were over 10,000 living in town then after the WWI with the dropping demand the population dwindled to less than 1,000.  Mining is still happening but mainly for Gold, silver, zinc and lead. Although the ore grades are still mined at above World averages. After lunch from the bakery we settled in at the camp ground $30 unpowered. 

The big can

We then set out to have a look around. We stopped at the Heritage Park that had some information in mining and a sculpture to commemorate the lost lives.

Mark is worth his weight in gold 

 We drove out to Peak Hill and read the interpretive signs on how things used to be.

 On our way back we went up to Fort Bourke Lookout which offered an excellent view of the town  and the deep open pit a 150m deep hole. 

Apparently there are 2 graves on the golf course that's left from the original cemetery. We returned to camp for dinner and retired early to the warmth of our caravans.

Australia Outback NSW GundabookaNP

Gundabooka National Park

After our visit of Bourke we ventured down the Kidman Highway for 70km to Gundabooka NP. We called to book our sites ($12.30/night) and travelled 22km on reasonable dirt road to the Dry Tank Camp site (-30.517809, 145.714891). 

After choosing our spot and some lunch we unhooked a car and drove back 30km to see the aboriginal art at Yapa Rocks. This area was used as a meeting place. It was a pleasant 1.5km walk over rocks and into a gorge. 

Then it was back to camp. Sue and I decided to go for another 50min walk while the boys got the fire going. Then it was dinner, chat and bed. 

The next morning we enjoyed a beautiful 5km walk to Little Mountain.

Not too sure what sort of creature created this burrow...

A well made path to the lookout.

Australia Outback NSW Bourke

Bourke

On our way out of Louth to Bourke (124km) we encountered loads of goats along the road and in adjoining paddocks. 

We did a quick pit stop in Bourke at the IGA, had a delicious pie from the bakery and got some information about the area. 

We then drove out of town about 15km to May’s Bend Camp site (-30.039458 146.023308) along the Darling River and waited for John and Sue to join us from Yamba. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon and evening around the fire catching up. We decided to stay put the next day, relaxing and going for a couple of walks.

 

 On Sunday we packed up and stopped in Bourke for a look around. We passed the oldest lift-span bridge in Australia.

 We had a look at what is left of the once largest inland port on the Darling River. 

We were lucky enough to see the 1923 Crossley Engine fired up. 

We walked down the Main Street and admired some of the old historical buildings. 

Weekend special in Bourke!

After another quick IGA shop we called in at the Cemetery to see its most famous grave of Fred Hollows ( an inspirational eye surgeon). 

As you stroll around we have a glimpse of the personal tragedies that reflect Australia’s frontier history- from bush rangers and drovers, cameleers and river boat men, lost children and local heroes.