Sun rising over the country in Cowra
Cowra Area
The ideal place to break free
It’s famous as the site of a break-out by Japanese POWs in 1944 (learn more at the Cowra Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre), but Cowra is more than just its colourful past. Situated in the Lachlan Valley, the Cowra region offers tranquil waterways, a wealth of wineries, unforgettable food and wine experiences, and rolling farmlands. The perfect place to break free.
Places to visit
Food & wine experiences
Blessed with rich alluvial soils, the region produces abundant fresh produce, with the Cowra wine region celebrated for its award-winning vintages. Enjoy top food and wine experiences, including tours, cellar doors, vineyard restaurants and the famous Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting.
Taste one of the many local wines at The Cowra Visitor Information Centre. You’ll also find a large range of regional produce perfect for your picnic hamper. Dine among the vines at Cowra’s Quarry Restaurant, where you can pair fresh ingredients with local wine.
Kalari Cellar Door & Art Gallery, Cowra
Fascinating history
More than a thousand Japanese soldiers attempted to escape from Cowra’s prisoner of war camp in an unprecedented military breakout in 1944. Discover the story at the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries, and the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
Explore bushranger Ben Hall’s life and the gold rush at the Grenfell Historical Museum in Grenfell, a historic gold mining town. You can also follow a trail to find Hall’s remote cave hideout. At the Cowra Bridge Pylons, see murals by local indigenous artist Kym Freedman of the history of the local Wiradjuri people.
Family fun & attractions
From steam trains to using one of the biggest telescopes available to the public at the Darby Falls Observatory, you’ll find plenty of family attractions. Check out the events calendar for festivals, markets and shows.
The Lachlan River and Wyangala Dam are great for fishing, kayaking and other water sports. Bushwalking and birdwatching are popular in the Conimbla National Park and the Weddin Mountains National Park. Enjoy a family picnic in beautiful surrounds.
Scenic Country, Cowra
Getting there
The Cowra area is just over a 4hr drive west of Sydney, via the Blue Mountains. You can fly into Orange Regional Airport, a 1hr 15min drive away.
Scenic Country, Cowra
Highlights
Plan your trip
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