📍22 Best Things To Do In Cowra, New South Wales. (Activities & Attractions 2024.)
WANT TO FIND WHERE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN COWRA, NSW ARE?
Sitting directly west of Sydney on the other side of the breathtaking Blue Mountains lies the picturesque country town of Cowra. Surrounded by plains that seasonally turn a brilliant yellow, this beautiful place is also home to Australia’s first and only mass breakout attempt.
Between the numerous World War II POW sites and the blooming canola fields, there are plenty of things to do in Cowra that will captivate your interest as I discovered stopping by during my 3-month road trip throughout the New South Wales countryside and the ACT.
👉 My top 3 picks for what to do in Cowra:
- Visit the poignant remains of the Cowra Prisoner Of War Camp.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside from the Bellevue Hill Lookout.
- Soak up the serenity at the Cowra Japanese Gardens And Cultural Centre.
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Best Things To Do In Cowra.
1. Learn About The POW Camp Breakout.
Visitor Information Centre & Cowra Hologram Theatre.
Whenever visiting a new place, it’s always a great idea to head to the Information Centre first to get some valuable local knowledge and stock up on souvenirs. But the Cowra one is a little more special, as it is home to the Hologram Theatre, which dives deep into the notorious POW Camp Breakout of 1944.
Learn all about what transpired before and during the event that became Australia’s first and only mass prisoner escape of its kind and the subsequent impact it caused through in-depth personal accounts and vivid depictions before visiting the site where it all went down.
Cowra Peace Precinct.
2. Visit The Site Of The Prisoner Of War Breakout.
Cowra Prisoner Of War Camp.
The Prisoner Of War Camp is Cowra’s landmark attraction thanks to its sombre ties to World War II and being where the biggest prisoner breakout of its kind in Australian history took place.
During its operational years between 1941 and 1947, over 4000 prisoners passed through the gates. Most were Japanese and Italian military personnel, but some were Indonesian political prisoners illegally detained.
On August 5th, 1944, with tensions rising within the camp, the Japanese, motivated by the deeply held philosophy of Bushido, which meant surrender and capture was considered deeply shameful, attempted a mass escape from the facility to give an honourable end to their imprisonment.
They used an assortment of crudely-made improvised weapons to assist them with the resulting chaos causing 231 Japanese casualties, including many who committed suicide to avoid the secondary dishonour of recapture. Four Australians also died during the uprising.
Today, there’s little left of the site, but because of the events that transpired there, it is now a recognised heritage site and while I found it to be a very sad and sobering experience walking through the levelled ruins and reading about the tragedy, it was certainly one of the most unique and poignant attractions in Cowra.
👉 If you decide to walk around, use insect repellent, because I was getting eaten alive reading the signboards scattered around the ruins.
3. Take A Walk Through The Historic Grounds.
Garrison Walk.
In addition to exploring the POW Camp and learning about the nationally significant event, visitors can also enjoy a reflective walk through the Cowra Peace Precinct to the Garrison Gates.
The main entrance to the walk starts at the northern end of Sakura Drive (opposite side of the POW camp) and is an easy and picturesque trail through the historic grounds.
It leads to several points of interest, including the Garrison Area, Wood Yard and most notably, the Garrison Gates.
These gates are significant, as while they now reside in a residential area, they used to be the main entrance into the Prisoner Of War Camp when it was operational during and after the Second World War.
It’s a lovely walk that combines Cowra’s intriguing history, beautiful countryside and some exercise into your trip.
Other historical war sites around Cowra.
- Europa Park. – Memorial Pavers & Cowra Military and Migrant Camps.
- Fred Arnold Park. – Cowra Italy Friendship Monument.
4. Visit The Largest Japanese Gardens In The Southern Hemisphere.
Cowra Japanese Gardens And Cultural Centre. – $.
After the breakout ended and the war concluded, Australia and Japan set aside their differences and forged a beautiful relationship that continues to this day.
And of the numerous attractions Cowra has to honour this friendship, nowhere is it more beautifully realised than at the Cowra Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre.
Located about halfway between the town and the POW camp in the Cowra Peace Precinct, this tranquil place is a massive 12.5 acres and is the most prolific symbolic representation of the peace and reconciliation between the two nations in the southern hemisphere.
The expansive, authentically Japanese landscape features two ponds surrounded by manicured hedges and topiary, cascading waterfalls, bubbling streams and a series of traditional structures, making it a beautiful and serene place to explore.
Also within the gardens is the Cultural Centre, wherein numerous Japanese artefacts and artworks create a fascinating gallery for reflection.
5. Walk Amongst The Sculptures.
Cowra Sculpture Park.
While still parked at the Japanese Gardens, don’t forget to check out the Cowra Sculpture Park on the other side of the parking lot.
The small park is home to numerous stone and metal artworks from acclaimed local, national and international artists and wandering around them is a fantastic accompaniment to exploring the Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre.
6. Visit The World War II Graves.
Australian, Indonesian, and Japanese War Cemeteries.
A few more places to visit in Cowra relating to the town’s notable World War II history are the war cemeteries.
During the POW Camp breakout of 1944, the Japanese attempted Australia’s first mass POW escape, and, subsequently, 231 of them died.
They now reside at the dedicated Japanese War Cemetery, but while they make up most of the graves, they aren’t the only ones there. All Japanese World War II prisoners were relocated to Cowra to rest eternally beside their countrymen.
Four Australians also died during the breakout. Their bodies lie at the nearby Australian War Cemetery alongside local service personnel who passed away during training accidents or illness.
Lastly, in the general section of the Cowra Cemetery lie the Indonesians who also died at the camp, so be sure to look for their graves while paying respects at the Australian and Japanese cemeteries.
7. Ring The Bell.
Australia’s World Peace Bell.
In the years since the breakout, Cowra has become known as Australia’s home of reconciliation and was gifted a World Peace Bell to acknowledge the town’s long-standing contribution to international understanding.
Created from the melted-down coins of 106 United Nations countries as a symbol of peace, the bell stands proudly in Cowra’s CBD and features a short audio presentation. You can also ring the symbolic bell and reflect on what it means to enjoy peace, making it one of the most unique things to do.
On World Peace Day, the third Tuesday in September, Cowra hosts a ceremony to mark the opening of the disarmament at the United Nations.
8. Celebrate Another Nation.
Festival Of International Understanding.
Because Cowra is renowned for being the home of peace and reconciliation, the town hosts the annual Festival Of International Understanding to uphold those values and forge stronger friendships with other countries. Each year, they celebrate a different nation through parades, music, shows, activities, fireworks and so much more.
It’s a huge local event that gathers people from all backgrounds and allows them to appreciate different cultures and forge stronger connections across the world and is a must-do when visiting Cowra in March.
More Places To Visit Around Cowra, NSW.
9. Discover Historical Sites Around The CBD.
Cowra Heritage Walk.
Another way to appreciate Cowra’s history is to do a heritage walk around the township’s CBD.
Wander the streets for a self-exploratory look at the historic architecture or pick up a brochure from the information centre for a more informative insight into these lovingly preserved buildings of yesterday and to find some hidden gems.
Some buildings, such as the Old Stone Flour Mill (1860) and the even older Australian Hotel (1845), are open for the public to explore the interior design of the time, so it’s a great way to explore the town whilst getting in touch with its heritage.
10. Enjoy Some Cultural Artwork.
Cowra Regional Art Gallery.
Those who enjoy exploring art and culture will love the Cowra Regional Art Gallery. Featuring various emerging and established artists from Australia, the displays showcase various topics depicting different messages and ideologies with their permanent and rotating installations.
The gallery also poignantly has a section housing notable items retrieved from the Prisoner Of War Camp, which is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the events that transpired there.
11. Catch A Show.
Cowra Civic Centre.
If you’re looking for things to do in Cowra at night or something that’ll entertain the kids for a while during the day, the Civic Centre is a great place to satisfy those needs.
Home to a cinema and a performance stage, you can catch up on the latest movies and see various shows, such as theatre productions, music concerts, comedy skits, talks and much more.
12. Go For A Riverside Walk.
Lachlan River Walk & Aboriginal Artwork.
Walking beside a picturesque waterway is always a lovely way to spend some time outside, and at Cowra, it’s no different. The Lachlan River is the most prolific river system in the region and a fantastic place to enjoy a picturesque stroll.
Start from the Visitor Information Car Park and follow the path north underneath the Cowra Bridge past the pylons featuring beautiful Aboriginal Artwork.
From there, take in scenic views of the picturesque river and find a place to yourself where you can relish seeing the birdlife and hearing ambient nature sounds.
13. Enjoy Sweeping Views Of The Landscape.
Bellevue Hill Lookout.
Not all of the town’s must-see attractions have to do with the Prisoner Of War breakout of 1944, as one of the best things to do in Cowra is to look out over the picturesque landscape.
Atop Bellevue Hill, halfway between the CBD and the Japanese Gardens, lies a series of weatherworn boulders that form the town’s lookouts. It’s a gorgeous spot that features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s gorgeous any time of the day but is especially so during golden hour when the sun is low and casts soft light across the plains. But between mid-August and mid-late September, the view is particularly magnificent as the canola crops bloom and transform the landscape into a brilliant yellow, making planning your trip to Cowra during that seasonal window well worth it.
Plus, because some are planted in circular fields, it totally gives you permission to tell people you’ve seen crop circles. At least that’s what I do.
👉 Note: For those who enjoy walks,
Bellevue Hill Reserve is also home to the Iron Bark Walking Track.
14. Cowra Canola Spring Tours.
If the canola field’s vivid yellows captivate your gaze, you can one-up seeing them from the lookout or driving past them by joining a dedicated tour.
Starting out at the Visitor Information Centre, the tour heads to some of the region’s most photogenic canola locations and also includes an excursion around town detailing Cowra’s history, giving participants a fascinating two-for-one experience.
👉 Note: Tours are seasonal as the canola fields only bloom for
one to one-and-a-half months a year.
15. Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail.
If you’re wondering what to do in Cowra that’s more physically involved, cycling the Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail is a fantastic option as it’s a great way to enjoy the picturesque countryside and the brilliant yellow canola fields while incorporating exercise into your trip.
The entire track is a massive, 345 km long and passes through Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and several smaller towns to make up this mammoth loop. There are several sections, each with varying levels of difficulty.
Of the two trails that start/ end at Cowra, the first leads north to beautiful Canowindra, the Balloon Capital Of Australia, and is rated as hard thanks to some steep areas, particularly in the southern half of the 45km section. The second track goes to the tiny village of Gooloogong and is an even more challenging adventure as it features plenty of elevation gain and drops across its 65km length.
16. Go On A Cycle Tour Of The Town.
E-Bike Tour. – $.
If you don’t have a bicycle but still love the idea of cycling, you can embark on an e-bike tour of the best attractions in Cowra. Use pedal power to visit the World Peace Bell, Prisoner Of War Campsite, the Japanese Gardens and Bellevue Hill Lookout.
It’s a fantastic way to incorporate exercise into your Cowra visit while learning about the town’s prolific heritage, getting great views of the surrounding countryside and making new friends. And because the bike is electric, it’s not too challenging for those who may not be the fittest.
17. Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre & Cowra Railway Station.
Another fantastic Cowra attraction is the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre also known as the Cowra Rail Heritage Centre.
This considerable museum showcases a wide range of railway relics for people to explore, including locomotives and rolling stock that comes in and out of the facility for restoration and maintenance.
Numerous carriages also allow visitors aboard to explore the train’s interior and visualise what life would have been like travelling on them when they were fully operational.
It’s a place you can either roam yourself with or without a map or have one of the friendly volunteers give you an in-depth tour of the facility. And if you find the Heritage Centre to be enjoyable, you may also want to check out the historical Cowra Railway Station, which is only a short drive down the road.
However, to explore inside the station, plan your trip around the last Sunday of the month as that is the only day they are open to the public.
👉 Note: Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre is open Thursday To Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.
19. Farleigh Beach Reserve.
For even more nature-based things to do in Cowra, head to Farleigh Beach Reserve on the outskirts of town. This picturesque area by the Lachlan River is a great place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Enjoy a picnic, go searching for birds, fly a kite, play some games, splash around in the water, or embark on a peaceful paddle.
Day Trips From Cowra.
Whether you’re exploring north, south, east or west, there are plenty of excellent options for days from Cowra that offer a variety of interesting attractions and things to do that’ll entertain and intrigue travellers of all kinds.
20. Yass.
South of Cowra near the intersection of the Lachlan Valley Way(B81) and the Hume Highway (M31), lies the lovely town of Yass. Many people know the Yass Valley to be a notable wine-growing area, but there is so much more to this place than that.
That is because this is where the country’s first native-born explorer lived out the remaining 30 years of his life near the landmark Hovell-Hume track that he and the British-born explorer discovered between Sydney and Melbourne. You can explore his residence, walk a lengthy part of the original trail (the rest is now the Hume Highway) and see his gravesite where he rests alongside his beloved wife.
For those interested in nature and rustic experiences, I highly recommend making the long drive out to Wee Jasper, where you can go on a guided tour to see Carey’s Cave and camp in one of the several reserves that this spectacularly picturesque village has to offer.
21. Bathurst.e
Another fantastic day trip destination from Cowra is Bathurst. Home of the world-renowned Bathurst 1000 racing event, did you know that you drive the famous Mount Panorama race track? I sure didn’t, but it was the highlight of my trip to this beautiful country town, even though I am not a racing aficionado myself. Granted, you can’t go around it at break-neck speed like the professional racers do and because when it’s not a race track, it is a regular street, but it’s still an awesome experience nonetheless.
22. Canowindra.
Another fantastic place to visit for the day is Canowindra. This sleepy town north of Cowra along the Lachlan Valley Highway doesn’t seem like it has much appeal, but I was pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer.
Canowindra is the Balloon Capital Of Australia and there is no better way to start the morning than by floating over the picturesque countryside, especially when the canola fields are in bloom in mid-August to late September where they transform the landscape into fields of brilliant yellow. Blue Jacket Lookout is a much cheaper way to see the terrain, offering almost 360-degree uninterrupted views of the topography.
Furthermore, the town is home to the Age Of Fishes Museum, one of only two fish fossil museums in the world, which showcases some of the significant and extensive pre-historic fish fossils found densely packed into a massive slab of rock in the countryside nearby and is a fascinating look at an era when this part of Australia was part of the ocean floor.
Cowra Map.
Accommodation: Where To Stay In Cowra.
Visiting Cowra – Frequently Asked Questions.
Where Is Cowra In New South Wales?
Cowra is a small town and subregion 145km west of Sydney in country New South Wales.
It lies at the intersection of several state highways, the Mid-Western Highway (A41/B64), Olympic Highway (A41), Lachlan Valley Way (B81) and Mitchell Highway (A32) and is a popular pit stop for people travelling through the area to prolific destinations such as Sydney, Canberra, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
Is Cowra Worth A Visit?
If you’re travelling through country New South Wales, Cowra is certainly a worthwhile pit stop.
The town is steeped in World War II history as it was home to a Prisoner Of War Camp that housed primarily Japanese and Italian military personnel.
Many of the town’s must-see attractions honour and respect what transpired here. Seeing them is a great way to reflect on the hardships and tragedies of war.
The region is also picturesque, particularly when the canola fields bloom, typically mid-August to mid-September. The bright yellow flowers look magnificent, and it’s so pretty driving through the area, but the ultimate place to see them is from the Bellevue Hill Lookout.
What Is Cowra Famous For?
Cowra is known for the mass breakout attempt at their Prisoner Of War Camp, which occurred in the early hours of August 5th, 1944, by nearly 400 Japanese captives.
There were many casualties, including 4 Australians, and it remains the first and only prisoner escape of its kind to happen on Australian soil.
What Are The Top Attractions To Visit In Cowra?
Many of the best things to do in Cowra are places to reflect on the Prisoners Of War held here.
The Information Centre features a sombre hologram show depicting the mass breakout at the POW Camp, where you can also see the remains of it at the Cowra Peace Precinct.
The Japanese, Australian and Indonesian cemeteries are also must-visit attractions in Cowra, as is the World Peace Bell on Kendall Street.
The Bellevue Hill Lookout has gorgeous views over the picturesque countryside and is another great place to stop by.
What Are The Most Popular Things To Do In Cowra With Children?
There are lots of fun things to do in Cowra that children can enjoy.
The most popular are ringing the World Peace Bell, exploring the Japanese Gardens and observing the ducks and water dragons that call the place home, playing around the sculpture park, seeing a movie or participating in an activity at the Civic Centre.
Many will also enjoy spending time outdoors cycling part of the Lachlan Valley cycle trail, discovering the trains at the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre, and wild swimming or kayaking at Farleigh Beach Reserve.
How To Get To Cowra?
As a country town a considerable distance from a city, Cowra is more of a road trip pit stop than a vacation hot spot. Therefore, people tend to travel there in a car, campervan or that kind of thing, as visiting the area is typically part of a longer journey, not just the destination.
However, it’s not the only way to get there.
An alternative method of reaching Cowra is via an intercity train from Sydney. Passengers can catch the Blue Mountains Train Line from Central Station to Bathurst and then take a bus or hire a car the remainder of the way. But it’s a long trip.
A faster but significantly more expensive way to get to the township is by catching a plane to Bathurst, Orange or even Parkes, but then it’s a bus ride or a hire vehicle from there on in.
How Many Kilometres Is It From Sydney To Cowra?
From Sydney to Cowra, the shortest driving distance is 305km which follows the Great Western Highway (A32) through the beautiful Blue Mountains to Bathurst. Then it’s the Mid Western Highway (A41) for the remaining distance.
What Is The Distance From Canberra To Cowra?
Following the Lachlan Valley Way (B81) and Barton Highway (A25), the distance between the nation’s capital and Cowra is 188km.
What About From Young To Cowra?
From Young to Cowra, it is a 70.5km drive between the two town centres along the Olympic Highway (A41) and takes about 50 minutes.
Lastly, How Far Is It From Dubbo To Cowra?
Along the Mitchell Highway (A32) and Lachlan Valley Way (B81), it is a 211km drive from the major regional city of Dubbo to Cowra, passing through the beautiful towns of Wellington and Canowindra.
Conclusion: Best Cowra Attractions.
With its World War II ties and title of being Australia’s home of peace and reconciliation, Cowra’s attractions are some of the most sombre in the region, but visiting those sites is only part of its appeal as the town has many things to do that are much more uplifting too.
