Exploring Bourke

Today we spent time doing domestic chores like washing and clean-up, then we collected a “mud map” tour guide and toured around the area looking mainly at some of the historic building and sites. One of the sites included the old weir and lock which was the first and only lock placed on the Darling. It was originally built in 1897 using timber and then replaced with concrete later. Many more were planned but by the time they had planned them the river trade had been replaced by other means. The weir is now used to dam the water so that the stored area can supply water to Burke.
One very good service offered by the Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre was dog kennels. They have 2 kennels set up outside in the shade where you can leave your dog for a short time during the day so that you can do and visit places you can’t take your dog. They ask for a $20.00 deposit on the key and you get it all back when you return the key.
We took advantage of the kennels so that we could take the ride on the PV Jandra Paddleboat. The trip was very pleasant and the captain kept up a steady commentary on everything from the history of the river to the flora and fauna on the river bank.