Passenger trains to Bourke ceased in 1975 when the rail service beyond Dubbo was replaced by road coaches.

[6] The town of Bourke had become the key centre for pastoralists in western New South Wales since its formation in 1861.

At the time, Dubbo had grown into a town of strategic importance on the stock routes between northern New South Wales and the Victorian goldfields.

Beyond Dubbo, the railway opened up new land to European settlement, and was directly responsible for the development of townships.

[8][9] Bourke was served by the Far West Express, which connected with the Western Mail from Sydney Central at Dubbo.

[2] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW.