MUST SEE

Enjoy Cowra and the Beautiful Surrounding Areas

Must See

First Stop is the Cowra Visitor Information Centre and the POW Hologram Theatre. This 9 minute presentation brings the events of The Cowra Breakout to life through the eyes of a local young woman (Gold coin donation please). This was the largest POW Breakout in modern military history.

The Visitor Information Centre is also a wonderful source of helpful information and local goodies.

Visitors from near and far come to see Cowra's renowned Japanese Strolling Garden and Cultural Centre, and especially the Annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) in September each year. There are 5 hectares of manicured garden, serene small lakes and cascading streams. It is classified by the National Trust as 'a place of Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance' and illustrates the journey of reconciliation and friendship between the people of Cowra and the Nation of Japan.

Australia's World Peace Bell is located in Cowra outside the Civic Centre and is made from melted down coins donated by 106 countries. Cowra's long-standing contribution to world peace and international understanding was recognized by the World Peace Bell Association in 1992. Listen to the audio presentation as you stand under the shelter, ring the bell and read the interpretive signage.

Japanese War Cemetery contains the graves of Japanese Military Personnel who died at the POW Campsite as well as those who died during the attacks on Northern Australia.

The Japanese War Cemetery is on land ceded to Japan in 1963 and is the only Japanese War Cemetery outside Japan. The Australian War Cemetery adjoins the Japanese War Cemetery and contains the graves of those servicemen who died at the Cowra Military Training Camp, as well as the 4 Australian Soldiers killed during the 1944 Breakout of over 1000 Japanese POWs.

The POW Camp ruins are still visible and interpretive signage helps you visualise what once stood here. Stand near the replica Guard Tower and listen to the audio presentation. There is also an Italian Monument at the site.

Darby's Falls Observatory
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The Cowra P.O.W Camp breakout Hologram
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Australia's World Peace Bell
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Iandra Castle
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Japanese War Cemetry
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Hot Air Ballooning
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Cowra Art Gallery
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Kalari Cellar Door
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Age of Fishes
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Wyangala Dam
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Canola Fields
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Christmas Street Market
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Other Things To See And Do

A Rare Highlight of the Must See List is Iandra Castle, which is only open a few times a year - usually on the Sunday of a Long Weekend.

Cowra also has the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre where you can wander through an extraordinary collection of historic engines, carriages and wagons. Great for railways buffs - and children just love clambering over the trains etc.

Darby's Falls Observatory is on the outskirts of town, and worth a visit on a clear night. Bookings essential.

Further along is the historic town of Woodstock and our beautiful Wyangala Dam which is great for fishing and water sports. Kalari Cellar Door and Art Gallery is also on this road.

Don't forget our wonderful Regional Art Gallery which hosts well known exhibitions such as The Archibald (travelling exhi bition), the Calleen Exhibition & Upstart.

Canowindra is just a mere 20 minutes drive away with more wineries, and the Fabulous Age of Fishes Museum with amazing bottles dating back 360 million years.

There are numerous other events and functions happening each month and we would be delighted to see you.