Poor Choice of Campsite...

We're heading up that way next month. Having done plenty of homework, I've already decided against staying in Bourke because it simply doesn't sound safe. So the plan is to obtain access to the top of Mount Oxley through the Bourke Visitors Centre & camp up there for a night.

Where can I find the news article.

Should get Mick O to sneak a carton of Bear Bangers back from Canada...Watch them scatter then and never look back...

I was camping there a few years back at Mays Bend. (Is that the right name)
Being my pay day I went into town to use an ATM, get some money, do shopping, fuel up etc.
Arriving before 9am at the machine, I did not feel safe. Many locals were sitting under it. Already with a few drinks under their belts. All machines were the same.
Decided to just go shopping, use the eftpos to purchase, and get extra money for fuel there. Agian. Locals were just sitting around. Eftpos used again for fuel, this time I did feel safe with getting some extra cash out.

The idea is, if you don't feel safe, or even think that way, go somewhere else.
Use your own judgement. Don't put yourself in a situation that could turn nasty.

hi yes been to bourke twice now.first time about 2007/6 all ok .but went back a couple years later locals were not happy after talking to a few locals apparently they agro after the goverment intervention with there welfare benefits.
we had rock thrown at 4wd broke back window .. not nice anymore. pity..

Yes..Know the feeling. Nhulunbuy is now going to have the banned drinkers register abandoned.. Back to the good old days of drunken blackfellas spewing, fighting, fornication, sleeping and defacating in the town streets.
We all know the answer but the law wont let us!

Bourke seems to be a rough spot to camp.
Been told to only camp in caravan parks in Alice Springs and Darwin. Not to go to any reserves and free camp. Is this correct?
Are there any other towns where it is not advisable to free camp because of one problem or another?

All sounds a bit sad really, but nothing worse than feeling unsafe in our country. We were thinking of a free camp 50km E of Cobar (found this site in Camps 6 NSW # 1051) on the way to Nyngan. Anyone have experience at this free camp, or would it be better to find a CP in Cobar or Nyngan? Mrs is a bit nervy. :-)

If I free camp I prefer to do it well clear of any town or grog supply. I am quite happy to take my chances in the bush with the local yowie, min min, over grown feral cats, dogs, Mick Taylors (of Wolfe Creek fame) et al.
And I don't think all the problems are caused by the euphemisticaly called "locals". Try walking down the main drag in Northbridge (Perth) after the pubs and night clubs have turfed all their drunken and drugged patrons out into the street.
Now that's entertainment, just make sure you don't become part of the show.

Cheers
Pop

Certainly a poor choice of campsite. I would think that camping in swags in virtually any street in any town or suburb in Australia is likely to make you a target to local idiots or keen Neighbourhood Watch members. Either way you would be likely to be robbed or terrorised or fined for illegal camping! Not likely to get a comfortable sleep.
We always look for a quiet spot out of town ( too far for local hoons to come and party!) and well off the road. We have never had any issues. The only time we have had anything stolen or damaged has been in an upmarket caravan park in a town! John and Lynne