"They moved to the back of Bourke."
Where "Back of Bourke" Comes From
References Bourke, a real outback town in far-western NSW historically seen (rightly or wrongly) as the last real settlement before nothing but empty land — the phrase grew from that reputation as shorthand for the middle of nowhere.
It's part of a broader Australian habit of using specific remote place names ("Woop Woop," "beyond the black stump") as stand-ins for extreme distance and isolation.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used loosely for anywhere that feels a long way from civilisation, whether or not it's anywhere near the actual town of Bourke — "they moved to the back of Bourke" just means somewhere remote and quiet.
It carries a light note of exaggeration, often said half-jokingly about a friend's new address or a long drive.
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