The Crossley Engine in Bourke is an oil-fuelled stationary engine manufactured by the Crossley Brothers in 1923. Over the years more than 100,000 Crossley oil and gas engines were built and it is a testament to their quality that many are still in use today.
It is an example of an early water cooled four stroke diesel type engine, which followed on from the steam era. With two cylinders sitting side by side and a 6-ton flywheel between them, the 6,562 cubic inch engine produced 138bhp at 260rpm or 108.6 litre with 103kW of power using modern measures.
This particular engine was originally used from 1923 to 1938 in the Sydney Power House to generate electricity for Sydney. From 1938 it was used in the Allowrie Butter Factory in Coffs Harbour until 1949 when it went to a property in Narromine in 1949 to pump water for irrigation until 1964.
The engine was purchased by the Bourke Shire Council from the Crawford Family in Narromine, and restored by Don Burnes in 2002.
The Crossley Engine was intriguing as Crossley is a family name. The Crawford family name was interesting as we grew up on Crawford Rd in Sydney.
The engine sits under a shelter next to the parking area it is installed at, with the Bourke Wharf 
in front of it at the Darling River’s edge. There are picnic tables near, and toilets across the road, and a cafe next door.
To get there:
If coming into Bourke from the south along Kidman Way, entering town continue straight ahead for about 1.2km, and turn left into Mitchell St. After 230m, turn right into Sturt St at the brown sign for Crossley Engine, and the parking area for the engine is in about 50m.
If coming into Bourke from the south along Mitchell Hwy, entering town continue straight ahead for about 1.3km, and turn right into Richard St (continuation of Mitchell Hwy). Continue for 600m, and turn left into Mitchell St. After 230m, turn right into Sturt St at the brown sign for Crossley Engine, and the parking area for the engine is in about 50m.
If coming into Bourke from the north along Mitchell Hwy, continue passed the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre for 1.1km. Turn right into Mitchell St, and follow for 950m, and turn right into Sturt St at the brown sign for Crossley Engine, and the parking area for the engine is in about 50m.
If coming into Bourke from the north along Kamilaroi Hwy, entering town continue straight ahead for about 1.5km, becoming Mitchell St. Turn right into Sturt St at the brown sign for Crossley Engine, and the parking area for the engine is in about 50m.
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
Toilets: Yes
Bins: Yes
Tables: Yes
Seating: Yes
Water: Yes, at toilets sink
Food: Yes, cafe near the wharf, next to Crossley Engine
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes
BBQ: No
Playground: No
