Gunderbooka County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, on the far-west plains north of Bourke. Its name derives from a local Aboriginal word, also carried by Gundabooka Station and the nearby Gundabooka National Park. North Bourke is its only current settlement.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | Far West |
| Named after | A local Aboriginal word, shared with Gundabooka Station |
| Principal town | North Bourke |
| Local government areas today | Bourke Shire |
Parishes in Gunderbooka County
The county holds 45 parishes, listed below.
- Aripilis
- Bibildoolie
- Booka
- Bothadoola
- Boyong
- Brandis
- Bullamunta
- Coolamon
- Cooning
- Cooper
- Courallie
- Cumbooka
- Cuttabulla
- Darling
- Fords Bridge
- Franklin
- Galar
- Goldson
- Greig
- Ledknapper
- Leila
- Looden
- Mooramia
- Mumpber
- Mungunyah
- Nellys Springs
- Nidgerie
- North Bourke
- Nulty
- Paka
- Palmer
- Pera
- Polo
- Quondong
- Sutherland
- Talaa
- Tobin
- Toorale
- Tresillian
- Tully
- Turee
- Warraweena
- Wommera
- Yarraman
- Yurongan
Towns and Localities Today
North Bourke, in the parish of the same name, is the county’s only settlement, a small crossing point on the Darling River opposite Bourke itself. Fords Bridge, further north on the Mitchell Highway, is a roadhouse locality rather than a town.
Geography
The Warrego River forms Gunderbooka County’s western boundary; the Culgoa and Darling rivers form its southern and eastern boundaries. It covers the area north of Bourke down to where the Warrego joins the Darling.
History
The county lies on the traditional lands of the Gunu people to the west, the Barranbindji people to the south and the Muruwari people to the north. Charles Sturt explored the district in 1828, followed by Thomas Mitchell in 1835. Poet Henry Lawson travelled through in 1892, and the phrase “back of Bourke” for remote country dates from around Federation.
FAQ
Is Gunderbooka County still used?
Cadastral counties like Gunderbooka remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What town is in Gunderbooka County?
North Bourke, on the Darling River opposite Bourke, is its only current settlement.
Where does the name Gunderbooka come from?
It derives from a local Aboriginal word, also the name of Gundabooka Station and Gundabooka National Park.