Discover Cowra and discover a wealth of experiences - the great outdoors, vineyards, adventure and hot air ballooning.
Cowra has a number of true country experiences from relaxing along the extensive waterways to exploring the tranquil Japanese Garden. Take a trip down memory lane and experience Cowra's fascinating history, from the days of steam trains to the largest Prisoner Of War Breakout in Australian and modern military history.
Food and wine buffs can tour Cowra's boutique vineyards to sample the superb local food and wine available. Where better to enjoy fine wine and delicious food than right in the heart of where it’s actually produced?
Visit Cowra and discover what it means to escape….
Ngiyanhi guwaymbanha ngindhugir Cowra-gu Wiradyuri-gu Ngurambang-gu.
Ngurambang Wiradyuri-gu Mayiny-gu
Nginhadhuray guwaymbanha, ngiyanhi ngayarra nganha nginyalgir yindyamalgirri Wiradyuri Mayiny-bu Wiradyuri Ngurambang-bu.
Mandaang guwu
We welcome you to Cowra, Wiradjuri Country.
Home of the Wiradjuri People.
With this welcome, we ask that you all will respect Wiradjuri People and Wiradjuri Country.
Thank you.
- Erin Lambshead
The Cowra Region is part of the Wiradjuri language group, the largest in NSW which covers most of the State.
Connection to Country is important to our community in remembering the history of our ancestors, our elders and our sense of belonging.
Our Wiradjuri community continues its strong connection to the land. The Lachlan River (Galari) has significant meaning to the Wiradjuri people through stories, songs and art.
The Aboriginal Murals painted on the pylons of the bridge over the Lachlan River are the creations of Kym and Trish Freeman and the local community. The artwork symbolises the animals and local landscapes around Cowra.
The murals are a shared project, with both local families and school children contributing their personal stories and handprints.
The Gugaa, or goanna, is the Wiradjuri Totem.
Take time to sit quietly at the river or at Billy Goat (Bellevue) Hill and make your own connection with our Wiradjuri Country.
Cowra is home of the largest Prisoner of War Breakout in Australian and modern military history. At 1.50am on 5 August 1944, over 1000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass escape from the Prisoner of War Campsite. 234 Japanese prisoners and 5 Australian soldiers’ lives were lost.
From this violent beginning, a journey of reconciliation and friendship between the people of Cowra and the nation of Japan has developed and continues to grow. Discover our historical sites and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre during your stay.
The ultimate tranquil experience, the Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre is a peaceful space to indulge your senses, unwind and enjoy natural beauty all year round.
Take the time to explore the 5 hectares of manicured garden, serene lakes and cascading streams with sweeping views of Cowra’s countryside and beyond.
The Cowra Wine Region is home to some of the most exceptional wine tasting experiences and wineries in NSW.
Our boutique wine region is renowned for producing award-winning wines with a strong leaning towards organic practices. With warm days, cool nights, and dry, late summers, our vignerons are able to grow superior grape varieties. Combine this with our producers passion for perfection and you have the recipe for some of the most outstanding wines in Australia.
Wyangala Dam is the perfect location to relax and unwind with family and friends. Spend a week, weekend or simply a day and enjoy all that this stunning park has on offer.
When at capacity, the Dam is 2.5 times the size of Sydney Harbour and offers the ideal space for water sports of all types, boating, fishing, canoeing or simply unwinding with a picnic on the sandy banks with family and friends.
Cowra offers a great range of quality accommodation to suit your individual needs. Whether you’re after traditional hotel/motel accommodation, a self-contained apartment, a unique and interesting farm stay, a friendly bed and breakfast or even just campsite to park your caravan, Cowra has you covered.
Our featured experience for this month is the POW Hologram Theatre.
The famous POW Hologram is a 9-minute presentation that tells the story of the Cowra Breakout and its aftermath through the eyes of 'Claire', a young Cowra girl. The hologram aims to raise awareness of the historical significance of Cowra in modern military history and is housed in the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.
Cowra is home to some fantastic annual events including the world famous Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), the Cowra Festival of International Understanding, the Cowra Winter Wanderlust, the Woodstock Memorial Show and the Cowra Christmas Festival.
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