DARLING RIVER, BOURKE, NSW, AUSTRALIA
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435E The Darling River that passes through the Australian outback town of Bourke was once the artery that brought life to the region. Paddle steamers called into what was, in the 1800's, a thriving port to load bales of wool and other rural produce for transport to southern markets. The advent of railways brought the era of paddle steamers to an end, with the last boat farewelling Bourke in the 1930's. The current drought and the use of water for the irrigation of cotton, citrus, grape vines, and other regional crops have seen the Darling transformed from a mighty river to an idle stream. But for tourists who visit the area, the river still plays a major role. A modern paddleboat, the Jandra, takes visitors on a leisurely cruise along the river. And with the natural environment of forests and woodlands that line the river's meandering banks providing a habitat for wildlife and numerous species of native birds, there are unexpected pleasures available for travellers eager to explore the outback in this remote corner of Australia.
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