Cowra Area

In the picturesque Lachlan Valley, discover tranquil waterways, a wealth of wineries, a World War II prisoner of war camp, and a powerful history of the gold rush and colonial bushrangers. The Cowra region in Country NSW offers the perfect blend of history, nature, food and wine.

Geographically blessed with rich alluvial soils, the region produces abundant fresh produce, with the Cowra wine region celebrated for its award-winning wines. Enjoy top food and wine experiences, including tours, cellar doors, wine bars and the Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting.

The main town of Cowra is a little over four hours’ drive west of Sydney, via the Blue Mountains. Cowra was the site of the largest prisoner of war breakout in modern military history, when more than a thousand Japanese soldiers attempted to escape en masse on 5 August 1944.

Cowra has since forged a special relationship with Japan. You can explore the breakout history and Japanese connection at various sites in Cowra, including the Prisoner of War Camp Site, the Japanese and Australian war cemeteries, and the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

At the Cowra Bridge Pylons, see murals by local indigenous artist Kym Freedman of the history of the local Wiradjuri people. Explore bushranger Ben Hall’s life and the gold rush at the Grenfell Historical Museum in Grenfell, a historic goldmining town and the birthplace of literary great Henry Lawson.

There’s plenty more things to do in the Cowra region, from farm tours and steam trains to using one of the biggest telescopes available to the public at the Darbys Falls Observatory. Check out the events calendar for festivals, markets and shows, including the Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival.

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. You’ll find accommodation options are plentiful and include charming country pubs.