Cowra

Cowra is a charming town surrounded by vineyards, waterways and pretty countryside in the beautiful Lachlan Valley. It is home to fascinating historical buildings and military history, as well as tranquil gardens and fine wines.

Fascinating history

Visit the former Prisoner of War Camp Site, where over a thousand Japanese prisoners staged a mass escape in 1944. Cowra has since forged a special relationship with Japan, reflected in the Japanese and Australian war cemeteries and Cowra Japanese Garden.

Cowra’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of Spring with traditional Japanese cultural performances. You’ll also experience gold rush history on the Cowra Heritage Walk. For family fun explore the steam trains at Lachlan Valley Railway.

Food & drink experiences

You’ll find plenty of delicious boutique wineries in the Cowra wine region. Start your exploration by tasting one of the many local wines at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre. You can also pick up a large range of regional produce perfect for your picnic hamper.

There are many more great food and wine experiences in the region. Check out the annual Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting, a major event where you can sample some of the country’s best wines and test your skills against expert judges. Sample local produce the monthly Cowra Community Markets or join a winery tour with Ideal Tours.

Art & culture

Cowra is home to diverse and creative art exhibits. Take a deep dive into the Cowra Regional Art Gallery and explore a range of regional, state and national touring works. Cowra is also home to Australia’s World Peace Bell, awarded in 1992. Look out for the indigenous murals on the Cowra Bridge Pylons.

Getting there

Cowra is just over four hours’ drive west of Sydney, via the Blue Mountains. You can fly into Orange Regional Airport, a 1hr 15min drive away. You’ll find plenty of great accommodation options in town, including motels, apartments, farmstays, B&Bs and rural holiday parks.