Cowra Area

Compelling history 

In 1944, over a thousand Japanese soldiers attempted a mass escape from Cowra’s prisoner of war camp. You can find out more at the Prisoner of War Camp Site, where there are information boards and a number of restored buildings, and the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries. Visit the award-winning Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, created as a symbol of goodwill and reconciliation. 

Explore bushranger Ben Hall’s life and the gold rush at the Grenfell Historical Museum in nearby 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. 

Food & wine experiences

Blessed with mineral-rich soils, the region produces an abundance of fresh produce, with the Cowra wine region celebrated for its award-winning vintages. Enjoy top food and wine experiences, including winery tours, cellar doors, vineyard restaurants and the famous Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting. 

You can also taste and purchase one of the many wines of the region at The Cowra Visitor Information Centre, and find delicious regional produce perfect for your picnic hamper. You can also visit the cellar doors at Wallington Wines and Rosnay Organic Vineyard. Dine among the vines at Cowra’s Quarry Restaurant, where you can pair seasonal dishes with superb local wines. 

Couple enjoying a wine and olive tasting at Rosnay Organic Wines

Family fun & attractions 

From steam trains to telescopes, you’ll find plenty of fun family attractions around Cowra. Check out the events calendar for festivals, markets and shows, or head to the Darby Falls Observatory to gaze at the stars through one of the biggest telescopes available to the public.  

The Lachlan River and Wyangala Dam are ideal 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 bush surrounds. 

Aerial view of the Wyangala Dam, Wyangala

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.

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