Visit Cowra, NSW: A scenic escape in Wiradjuri Country

A visit to Wyangala Dam is a must when exploring Cowra and the surrounding region

From captivating wartime history to relaxing vineyards and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind and explore in this charming NSW town.

The Australian tourism industry has seen strong recovery post-pandemic, driven by pent-up demand. While higher prices haven’t deterred tourists, they are more selective in their destination choices. Regional tourism is highly competitive, with 76 regions vying for visitors, longer stays and higher spending. In regional NSW, tourism has experienced the highest growth, attracting visitors with its natural wonders and iconic events. However, destinations offering only similar attractions may struggle to stand out, while those with unique features are more successful in drawing tourists, particularly caravanners.

Cowra — in Central West NSW — not only stands out among the crowd; when it comes to points of difference, it absolutely steals the show.

Cowra township

So many towns in Australia share common threads of geography, topography, geology, ecology or history, it is not often that just one town can lay claim to being the town with the ‘only’, ‘largest’, ‘oldest’, ‘longest’, ‘widest’, ‘first’ or ‘smallest’ of something.

But Cowra can, justifiably laying claim to being the site of the largest land-fought military battle on Australian soil during World War II, known as the Cowra Breakout, which took place on 5 August 1944.

The Cowra Breakout was not only the largest Prisoner of War breakout of WWII but also the largest mass prison escape in modern history and the deadliest escape attempt ever by Japanese POWs.

And Cowra can claim some other superlatives too, including a direct connection with the first Japanese POW captured in Australia, the first relatively intact Mitsubishi Zero aircraft captured by the Allies during World War II and the largest Japanese Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cowra is home to the largest Japanese Garden in the Southern Hemisphere

Home of the Wiradjuri People

Nestled in the picturesque Lachlan Valley and set along the banks of the Galari Bila (Lachlan River), Cowra is in Wiradjuri country and is a charming country town known for its rich history, natural beauty and vibrant culture, offering a mix of experiences that appeal both to seasoned travellers and those just starting to explore the open road.

Whether you’re a grey nomad on a long-term adventure or an empty nester seeking a peaceful getaway, Cowra has something for everyone.

A legacy of peace and reflection

By 1944, the Cowra POW Camp housed more than 2000 prisoners, including Italians, Japanese and conscripts from occupied countries. The camp housed prisoners, the 22nd Garrison Battalion, some RAAF personnel and Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) personnel.

On 5 August 1944 more than 1000 Japanese prisoners at Camp B staged an escape. Armed with improvised weapons such as baseball bats, kitchen cutlery and gardening tools, they started fires, attacked the Australian guards and rushed the fences after a bugle sounded, seeking to ‘die with honour’ rather than continue in captivity.

Privates Ben Hardy and Ralph Jones, who manned a machine gun, were posthumously awarded the George Cross for bravery. The breakout led to more than 350 prisoners escaping, 234 Japanese and five Australians killed, and 108 Japanese and four Australians wounded. Over nine days, 334 prisoners were recaptured. At least 30 of the deceased Japanese prisoners died by their own hand.

The bugler, Sergeant Hajime Toyoshima, a Japanese pilot of a Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero aircraft from the aircraft carrier Hiryu, had been the first Japanese POW captured in Australia, during the first air raid on Darwin in 1942. Toyoshima’s aircraft was the first relatively intact Zero captured by the Allies. He died by suicide after escaping during the Cowra breakout. That bugle also signalled the start of the only land battle on Australian soil in World War II, and it is now part of the Australian War Memorial collection.

Cowra’s relationship with Japan has deepened over time, symbolised by a Japanese cemetery, gardens and a peace bell representing enduring friendship. Australia’s World Peace Bell symbolises global peace (awarded in 1992), and the garden was designed by Takeshi Nakajima. Cowra’s Australian Peace Bell is the only World Peace Bell not located in a city.

Some other key sites to visit include:

• Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre: Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens — the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere — and enjoy a peaceful setting while reflecting on the region’s history.
• Prisoner of War Campsite: These days known as the Cowra POW Camp, during its operation it was known as a ‘P.W. and I Group (Prisoner of War and Internment)’. Visit the replica guard tower and commemorative sculptures or take a quiet moment at the viewing platform overlooking the historical site. Dedicated on 5 August 1966, Cowra POW Camp Site Memorial is on the New South Wales Heritage Register.
• War cemeteries: Pay your respects at the Australian, Indonesian and Japanese war cemeteries, where the spirit of peace and reconciliation continues.

Five Panel Sculpture at Cowra POW Camp

Nature, adventure and scenic views

• Lachlan River Walk: Enjoy the tranquil setting along the banks of the Lachlan River, with Indigenous art murals adorning the Lachlan River Bridge pylons.
• Bellevue Hill Lookout: Take in panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside or let the kids loose at the Cowra Nature Based Adventure Playground.
• Cycling and walking trails: Stroll or cycle along the Cowra Peace Precinct and explore the Garrison Walk.
• If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even paddle on the river or relax on the ‘beach’ at Farleigh Reserve — perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Overnight camping is now permitted at the reserve; for more information phone 02 6342 4333 or email info@cowratourism.com.au

Explore the arts and local culture

• Cowra Regional Art Gallery: Discover a variety of exhibitions that showcase local talent.
• Cowra Sculpture Park: Stroll through the park and enjoy impressive art installations.
• Spectacular and meaningful art murals (Indigenous Art Murals, Cowra POW Water Tank Murals, Cowra Laneway Mural and Cowra Civic Square Mural) are scattered across Cowra, creating a unique urban art experience.

Aerial of Cowra POW Water Tank Murals

Wine, food and relaxation

Boasting a wide range of casual cafes, bistros and restaurants, Cowra is home to several highly acclaimed food establishments. Cowra’s chefs consistently turn local produce into mouth-watering meals.

Tour at Rosnay Organic Wines

• Best coffee in town: Cowra Japanese Garden Cafe or the Breakout Brasserie.
• Best dinner meals: The Imperial Hotel (Pub) or Oak on Kendal (fine dining).

Shopping in Cowra is relaxed and easy, with plenty of parking and friendly country service.

The Cowra Wine Region is home to some of the most exceptional cellar door wine tasting experiences and wineries in NSW. It is renowned for producing award-winning wines with organic practices, and there’s a full list of wineries available online: visitcowra.com.au

Things to do in and around Cowra

• Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre: Dive into the history of Cowra’s rail system or take a scenic ride on a vintage tourist train on the last weekend of the month.
• Europa Park: Learn about Cowra’s migrant and military training camps (Cowra was also the home of the Australian Recruit Training Centre in Word War II).

Getting here and around

Cowra is easy to reach, conveniently located at the intersection of three major highways:

• From Sydney: Take the Great Western Highway via Lithgow and Bathurst.
• From Canberra: Travel via the Barton Highway, Yass and the Lachlan Valley Way.

With nearby towns such as Bathurst, Orange, Grenfell and Young just an hour to one-and-a half hours away, Cowra makes a great base from which to explore the surrounding region.

Plan your visit

For an easy guide to planning your trip, visit the Cowra website (visitcowra.com.au) and check out the Itinerary Planner (there are four day trips that cover Cowra, Canowindra, Woodstock, Wyangala Dam and further into the countryside), or download the Visitor Guide.

The Cowra Visitor Information Centre is an essential first stop for visitors to the Cowra region and is open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day). It offers local products and wares, a hologram about the 1944 POW breakout, a walking trail, a scale model of the former POW Camp and a nine-minute breakout presentation.

Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Museum

Festivals and events

You’ll find beauty in every season in Cowra, but the region truly comes alive each spring when visitors can experience the rolling canola ‘Fields of Gold’ or witness the magical beauty of Cherry Blossom.

If you’re visiting in winter, we recommend taking in the Wyangala Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular (Kings Birthday Long Weekend in June). The Cowra Wine Show (19 July) is the perfect event for exploring Cowra’s best wines.

See the sky filled with vibrant balloons at the annual Canowindra International Balloon Festival on from 26 April to 4 May.

Visit the stunning cherry blossom trees at the Cowra Japanese Garden during the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival on 27 September or celebrate the arrival of autumn at sister festival to Sakura Matsuri, Kōyō Matsuri, on 2–3 May.

Visit Cowra in spring to experience the ‘Fields of Gold’

Accommodation options for every traveller

Whether you’re in a caravan, motorhome or looking for a cabin stay, Cowra has a range of accommodation options to suit your needs.

• Cowra Van Park: Located beside the Lachlan River, this park offers powered and unpowered sites, ensuite cabins and pet-friendly options. Facilities include free wi-fi, a camp kitchen, barbecues and easy access to the town’s shops and restaurants.
• Cowra Holiday Park: Just five minutes from Cowra’s CBD, this rustic park is perfect for a peaceful getaway. The park features self-contained cabins, powered sites and a heated pool. It’s a great spot for a relaxing stay with all the comforts of home.
• Cowra Showground Camping: For a more rural experience, the Cowra Showground offers a large, flat camping area with both powered and unpowered sites. This pet-friendly spot is ideal for those seeking a simple, relaxed stay.

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