Split down the middle by the Lachlan River, Cowra is a peaceful country town with a gold rush history, Heritage-listed buildings and an exceptional food and wine culture. Cowra is surrounded by numerous national parks and promotes outdoor recreation with golf courses, scenic picnic areas and immersive bushwalking trails.
Things to do in Cowra
Discover Cowra’s rich Japanese and war history at the Prisoner of War Camp Site, considered one of the top Heritage-listed sites in New South Wales. You can explore the area on a self-guided walking trail and travel back to the biggest prison breakout in Australian war history through informative signs, a theatrical presentation and scale model of the camp.
Nearby you’ll find Australia’s only Japanese War Cemetery, home to the graves of Japanese soldiers killed during the breakout. Opened in 1979, the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre represents the town’s deep connection with Japanese culture and world peace. Here you can see Japanese plants, streams, lakes, traditional Edo cottages, an open-air teahouse, Japanese artwork and a myriad of birdlife.
Looking for some recreation? Start your day browsing through unique antiques and vintage decor at Finds on Fitzroy, before perfecting your swing on the 18-hole Cowra Golf Club. Afterwards, duck into Sarah Jane Country Craft to pick up some handmade pillows or blankets.
Active travellers will love exploring the nearby Conimbla National Park, about a 40-minute drive from Cowra. It’s home to the rewarding Wallaby and Ironbark walking tracks, which reveal an array of native trees, plants and wildlife. Take a rest at Wallaby Track’s serene picnic area, which often has wallabies bounding across the grass.
Getting around Cowra
Cowra is just over four hours’ drive from Sydney along the Great Western and Mid Western highways. You can easily walk to the centre of town, but it’s best to have your own car if you want to travel further afield.