Local businesswoman Judy Hungerford is optimistic that there will be a return to better times when the ‘fuel fear’ subsides, and the cost of living improves. Photo: Beverley Callow Story by Tricia Duffield To date, the 2026 tourism season is one of the worst ever experienced in the Outback, with hotel, motel and caravan occupancy rates at an all time low, businesses cutting back on staff, or staff choosing to leave the industry in search of more secure work. From Bourke to Br

Rob Bowman and Chris Bowman from Turramurra with Roger Sanderson and Karen Sanderson from Manly visiting Bourke. Photo: Beverley Callow Story by Tricia Duffield and Beverley Callow Rob and Chris Bowman are visitors from Turramurra with Roger Sanderson and Karen Sanderson from Manly, and last week they were among the very few tourists enjoying the attractions around the far west. Like many travellers, fuel costs and supplies was a concern but once they hit the road, the group

The Jandra Paddleboat on the Darling River and the North Bourke Bridge, with a flock of Inland Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Inset – Bourke Shire Council General Manager Leonie Brown. Photos: Beverley Callow and Ian Cole Despite one of the worst downturns in years, brought on by ongoing fuel pricing and availability issues, Bourke Shire Council is taking a positive approach to salvaging what remains of this year’s tourism season. With a view to increasing visitor numbers, Counc