Fast facts
- Famous for its vineyards and Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
- Surrounded by farmland on the Lachlan River
- 312 km west of Sydney, population 9,700
Why go there
Cowra is the commercial centre of a strong agricultural area that covers horticulture, aquaculture and viticulture.
The town offers genuine country hospitality, delicious food and wine, great natural attractions and a fascinating military history.
History
First settled in 1931, the village of Cowra was proclaimed in 1849.
In 1944 more than 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from a local internment camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 prisoners and 4 Australian soldiers.
Cowra has since forged a remarkable friendship with Japan, and there are many tributes to this relationship around the town.
Things to do
- Explore the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, which honours both Japanese and Australians killed in war. It includes gardens and a teahouse, pottery house and bonsai house.
- In the Prisoner of War Theatre, watch a hologram that recounts the story of the Cowra Breakout.
- Go fishing, swimming or boating in Wyangala Waters State Park at the junction of the Lachlan and Abercrombie rivers.
Events
- Cowra Food and Wine Weekend in November celebrates local wines and produce.
- Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival in September celebrates the arrival of spring with events that include tea ceremonies, kite flying, cultural activities, workshops, food and wine.
- Cowra Annual Show in September features agricultural displays, exhibits and competitions.
Don’t miss
- The World Peace Bell made of coins from United Nations countries.
- A bushwalk and picnic in Conimbla National Park.
- War, rail and rural memorabilia at the Cowra Fun Museum.
- Checking out the night sky from Darby Falls Observatory.
- Sampling some fine local wines on a vineyard tour.
