Bourke
Bourke scores well on lifestyle & amenity (71/100) but only 36/100 on sustainability — a gap worth watching.
"Back o' Bourke — Australia's iconic outback town"
See where Bourke ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · rural council · Pop. 2,349
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
59 out of 100
#5 of 15 rural councils in NSW
#29 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 36/100 |
| Community Services | 69/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 71/100 |
| Core Operations | 60/100 |
What This Means For You
Among rural councils, Bourke performs strongest in Lifestyle & Amenity (scoring 71 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Sustainability (currently 36 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Back o' Bourke — Australia's iconic outback town
Bourke is synonymous with outback Australia — 'back of Bourke' means the middle of nowhere. It's a significant Aboriginal community.
Known For
- Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre
- Darling River — paddle steamer heritage
- Significant Aboriginal community and history
- Outback pastoral culture
Living Here
Bourke is genuinely remote outback. Strong community spirit, particularly in the Aboriginal community.
Hidden Gem
Darling River sunset cruise — the river landscape at dusk is hauntingly beautiful.