Kidman Camp, Bourke

Koala · Veteran Member

Kidman Camp, Bourke

OwenK · Senior Member

Hi KJ,

I can highly recommend Kidman Camp. You'll love it, it's far enough out of town and yes the riverboat still operates.

We were there earlier this year (for our 3rd time) and it was great. The "Back o Bourke" Centre is well worth a visit, Fred Hollows grave is at Bourke cemetery.

The town it's self is also interesting, see how many windows are in the 2 supermarkets and how the shops are locked -up at night.

Cheers Owen.

-- Edited by OwenK on Sunday 7th of August 2016 08:10:28 PM

Joe50 · Guru

I was there three weeks ago and yes, the PV Jandra riverboat runs every day. I did the Sunday two-hour cruise (think the Monday to Saturday cruises run for one hour twice a day). Have to go through the Kidman Camp caravan park to get to the jetty. There were plenty of vans in the CP. Also highly recommend the Back o' Burke Centre, next to the Visitor Info Centre and if you're mechanically minded there's a Crossley oil-fired engine that is fired up at midday on week days. Didn't experience any issues in the town, but the liquor shop at the IGA store was certainly an eye opener.

Cheers, Joe

adreamer · Senior Member

K J wrote:
Hi All,
just wondering has anyone stayed recently at " Kidman Camp" outside of Bourke in NSW ? I just want to know if others enjoyed their stay or if anyone experienced any issues i.e. Theft, vandalism or any other frightening experiences. We would really be interested in going out there for a weekend but just a bit worried ? Also does the River boat still operate doing trips up the Darling River.
K J

The white man has a lot to answer for!!!!!!

LLD · Senior Member

Kidman camp is a beautiful oasis. The Van park in town is very good too. Stayed in town a few weeks ago. It was full every night with several vans turned away each night. Need to book or get there early. The electric fence helps. The Back o' Bourke show is worth it too.

Desert Dweller · Senior Member

outbackbeds.com.au/food-huts-by-mt-oxley.html Last September we stayed just West of Bourke at Rossmore Station. Secure behind padlocked gates, we had the place to ourselves.

Mt Oxley on the property is amazing. $20 per night.

Ron-D · Guru

adreamer wrote:
K J wrote:
Hi All,
just wondering has anyone stayed recently at " Kidman Camp" outside of Bourke in NSW ? I just want to know if others enjoyed their stay or if anyone experienced any issues i.e. Theft, vandalism or any other frightening experiences. We would really be interested in going out there for a weekend but just a bit worried ? Also does the River boat still operate doing trips up the Darling River.
K J
The white man has a lot to answer for!!!!!!

I don't understand that comment the aboriginals have a lot more social benefits than anyone else these days,after two hundred years surely they can get there act together,theses days there just as respected in society as anyone else, yes back in the old days your comment would have made sense...

adreamer · Senior Member

I never mentioned 'Aboriginals' in my comment.

So there you go, what does that tell you?

moamajohn · Guru

Hey !! your digressing from the topic peoples ! KJ you will be very happy at the camp and we had a bit of a fish too .If you have time the chow meal at the bowling club is great.Cheers

adreamer · Senior Member

moamajohn wrote:
Hey !! your digressing from the topic peoples ! KJ you will be very happy at the camp and we had a bit of a fish too .If you have time the chow meal at the bowling club is great.Cheers

Don't forget to go behind the electric fence!!

Koala · Veteran Member

Thanks to everyone for your positive replies, sounds like it's definitely worth a visit, I was also under the impression that it is not possible to book a site at Kidman Camp ? Oh well when we head out we take the chance, there will be 2 couples, we live in a town with a high aboriginal population so I'm pretty street wise ? I just really wanted to get some opinions from fellow travelers, we will be there hopefully by lunch, that way we should get a couple of sites. I love all the outback towns there is always much to see & do.
K J

OwenK · Senior Member

I'm sure you'll love it there, great grassed sites quite large. I've found that some people on this site like to make comments that are just "out of line" which is a real shame, because this is such a great site for us Grey Nomads. Most of us grow-up as we get older.

Cheers Owen.

the ginger nomad · Senior Member

We stayed at Mitchell C/P in Bourke for two weeks last year. What a great place we thought it was. Dan & Steph are great hosts. I asked Dan about the electric fence! "not there for what you might think John,it's to keep the backpackers out.they try to sneak in after the office is shut ,use the amenities and p..s off." I am not trying to knock backpackers as we have had many stay with us at home. Please don't think Bourke is a bad place as we have nothing but praise for the place.we did the leeve bank walk and the town walk with local Indigenous guides.( this was a highlight of our stay). We will be staying there again next month.

-- Edited by the ginger nomad on Monday 8th of August 2016 09:34:02 PM

Cupie · Guru

We have stayed there a couple of times & enjoyed the stay on large sites. Nice walk down to the river where the Paddle Boat was tied up between cruises.

Last time we visited there was a thriving vege garden that you could access free of charge. Of course some people take advantage & we were told that the day before a Lady with a couple of kids had almost stripped it before departing. We just watered it & picked a few silver beet leaves to add to a morning omelette.

We purchased a fruit dish from the craft shop at the old Railway Station ... made from different local ochres. A good reminder of our visit.

The worst thing that we saw in Bourke was a rather well dressed guy walk out from his PO Private Box & casually drop all of his opened mail envelopes etc. on the street as he wandered off. Unbelievable! I got into trouble from SWMBO for scampering after him picking it up. Didn't seem to worry him though.

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 8th of August 2016 10:59:53 PM

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 8th of August 2016 11:04:39 PM

hagar · Veteran Member

I stayed there last year park is well run not a sign of any trouble. I had a problem with the truck and managers and other caravaners could not be more helpfull would go there any time. also the chinese feed at the club in town was excellent

Bricat70 · Veteran Member

We were there about 3 months back and it was a great place to stay.