Cowra, on the banks of the Lachlan River is a picturesque town in central New South Wales, around 300 kilometres west of Sydney. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Cowra is most famously known for the 1944 World War II Cowra Breakout, the largest Prisoner of War Breakout in Australian and modern military history.
The tranquil Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, feature five hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, created as a powerful symbol of goodwill, peace, friendship and reconciliation between Australia and Japan. Visitors can tour Cowra’s Prisoner of War Camp site, Japanese War Cemetery and Visitors Centre to learn more about this unique chapter of wartime history.
Take the Cowra Heritage Walk past historic landmarks like the town's first hotel, old stone flour mill built in 1860, gothic style St Raphael's church, federation-style courthouse, Cowra Public School and the town’s oldest home Ilfracombe, built in 1879.
Explore Cowra’s Boutique Wine Region where you can meet the makers and taste award-winning wines, many of them organic. Nature lovers can enjoy some of the many leisure activities around the beautiful Lachlan River - fishing, kayaking or just appreciating the serenity.
Be sure to visit the stunning Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. On 5 August 1944, over 1000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass escape from the Prisoner of War Campsite and 234 Japanese prisoners and 5 Australian soldiers died. Classified by the National Trust as 'A place of Significant Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance' the garden is the largest in the southern hemisphere and symbolises peace and friendship between Australia and Japan.
An hour from Cowra is the township of Young, home to the delightful National Cherry Festival, a celebration of Young’s proud farming history and vibrant community. Festivities include a street parade, farmers markets, live music and of course the freshest, sweetest cherries. Not to be missed are the cherry pie eating and cherry pip spitting competitions!
A short drive south of Cowra is Boorowa with its annual Boorowa Irish Woolfest and famous ‘running of the sheep’ - a parade led by the merino stars of the show. The week-long festival features wool shows, workshops and displays as well as a strong Irish component highlighting the town’s connection to the Emerald Isle.
Head 158 kilometres northwest of Cowra and you’ll arrive at Trundle where Abba fans gather every year for the Trundle Abba Festival, a dazzling tribute to the iconic Swedish pop sensation. It’s all about over the top retro costumes, dancing, singing and loads of fun.
The population of Cowra Shire in 2021 was 12,724.
Cowra is located 308 kilometres west of Sydney.
Cowra derived its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘the rocks.’ It was originally known as ‘Coura Rocks.’
The Wiradjuri Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the Cowra area in New South Wales. Visit the Cowra Bridge Pylons where local artist Kym Freeman has painted Aboriginal murals depicting the history of the Wiradjuri people. The murals include handprints from local school children.
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