Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials

Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials is a fourth-generation family business carrying on a tradition of crafting classic Australian soft drinks right in the heart of Bourke, New South Wales. Operating from 15 Tudor Street since its founding, the brand is known for its deep local roots and a loyal customer following that stretches far beyond the far west. Under the leadership of brothers Daniel and Sam Rice, who took over from their father Ted in 2014, the company continues to produce the same high-quality, nostalgic flavours that have defined it for over a century.

Google Maps reviewers consistently praise the drinks for their authentic taste and ability to evoke childhood memories. One customer wrote that it "really takes you back to your childhood," while another local guide said they "love Splashe Cola & Mint Freeze in a glass full of ice — but it tastes good with white rum and fresh mint too — especially on hot days." The business holds an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 27 reviews, with customers often highlighting the unique flavours and the company's deep connection to Australian history.

The Rice Family Legacy

The story began in 1907 when John Rice, a local entrepreneur who owned a grocery store, ice works, butcher shop, and two sheep stations, purchased the Commercial Hotel. The hotel came with a lemonade factory set up in the old horse stables, and Rice saw an opportunity. The business quickly became a staple in Bourke and the surrounding region, then known as Rice’s Cordials. The operation survived the immense challenges of the early 20th century, including the isolation of the outback, where camel and horse teams navigated the rough tracks to places like Wannaring, Tilpa, and Hungerford.

After John Rice's passing in 1927, three of his sons — Athol, Lionel, and Cecil — took the reins. A new factory was built in the 1950s, replacing the original converted stables and steam-powered setup, allowing the business to meet growing demand for decades. In 1998, the brand was renamed Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials, a nod to the legendary Australian phrase for the remote outback. Today, Daniel and Sam represent the fourth generation, and with a new generation already learning the trade, the family is focused on making Back ‘O’ Bourke a national household name.

Drinks and Signature Flavours

The range of Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials features a variety of traditional soft drink flavours that cater to all tastes. The two most popular products are Splashe Cola and Club Nectar, which have become flagship items for the brand. The full lineup includes Blue Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Raspberry, Mandarin, Pineapple, Lemon Soda Squash, Passion Fruit, Creaming Soda, Mint Freeze, and Portello.

Customer Favourites

• Splashe Cola: A traditional cola that has earned a passionate following, with one Google Maps reviewer from the Illawarra region wishing they could buy it locally. The owner responded by directing them to a stockist in Albion Park.
• Mint Freeze: Frequently mentioned in reviews as a refreshing mixer, particularly praised when served over ice on a hot day, or paired with white rum and fresh mint.
• Mandarin and Pineapple: Described by a local guide as "yummy" and perfect for those with a sweet tooth, these fruit-based sodas are ideal for casual sipping.
• Club Nectar: A staple alongside Splashe Cola, representing the classic cordial style that has underpinned the business for generations.

The company emphasises that the same high-quality flavour recipes have been maintained over the decades, which customers note as one of the main reasons the brand has survived while many small Australian soft drink makers have disappeared.

How to Find Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials

While the business is headquartered at 15 Tudor St, Bourke NSW 2840, a Google Maps panel note clarifies that this is not a shop front and there are no over-the-counter sales. This means consumers looking for the drinks should visit one of the many stockists or distributors that carry the brand. The company’s website maintains an up-to-date list of locations where Back ‘O’ Bourke products can be found.

For retail or wholesale enquiries, the business can be reached by phone at (02) 6872 2080 or via email at info@splashe.com.au. A dedicated Sales & Marketing Team is available at 0461 581 700 and marketing@splashe.com.au for those interested in becoming a distributor or stockist. The contact page also includes a custom enquiry form for retail stockists, local distributors, consumers, and export enquiries.

Stockists and Distributors Across Australia

Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials has built an expanding network of stockists and distributors that brings its drinks to customers well beyond Bourke. Current stockists include Cafe Java, Orange Xpress Supermarket, Glenroi Perry Oval Pantry, R U Hungy Newcastle, Greengate Supermarket Orange, Dooks Sweet & Smokey, Continental Grocery & Halal, Mobill Fuel Bodalla, Shell Braidwood, and LaBonita Pizza & Pasta. The distribution network includes Bidfood Coffs Harbour, Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials’ own direct distribution, H Hive Distributors in Canberra and the South Coast, Cafe Distributors in Newcastle, Midwest Foods Dubbo, West Area Premium Food Orange, Dubbo Milko’s (Seeliger and Tink), Inland Distributors, and Mallee Meats in Mildura. The business also sells branded merchandise, including hats, towels, T-shirts, stickers, and stubby holders, and offers downloadable point-of-sale materials.

Common Questions

Does Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials have a shopfront for direct sales?

No, the business location at 15 Tudor St in Bourke is not set up for over-the-counter sales. Products are available through a network of stockists and distributors listed on the website.

Can I become a distributor or stockist for Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials?

Yes, the company actively seeks new retailers and distributors. Enquiries can be directed to the Sales & Marketing Team at marketing@splashe.com.au or by using the enquiry form on the contact page.

What are the most popular Back ‘O’ Bourke flavours?

Splashe Cola and Club Nectar are the most popular. Customers also frequently mention Mint Freeze, Mandarin, and Pineapple in Google Maps reviews.

Where can I buy Back ‘O’ Bourke drinks outside of Bourke?

The brand has stockists and distributors in Orange, Newcastle, Canberra, the South Coast, Dubbo, Mildura, Coffs Harbour, and other locations. A full list is available on the website under the Stockists and Distributors sections.

How can I contact Back ‘O’ Bourke Cordials?

You can reach the company by phone at (02) 6872 2080 or by email at info@splashe.com.au for general enquiries. The Sales & Marketing Team is reachable at 0461 581 700 or marketing@splashe.com.au.

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