Cowra

Cowra, a peaceful town in the Central West of NSW, is best known for its profound Japanese connections and stunning floral displays. It's a place where history, culture, and nature intertwine, offering travellers a thoughtful and beautiful stop on a road trip through inland NSW.

Highlights & What to See

• Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre: A serene, five-hectare garden designed to symbolise the five elements of Japanese garden design. Stroll across the koi-filled lake, climb the hill for panoramic views, and explore the cultural centre for insights into Japanese culture and the region's shared history.
• Cowra Japanese War Cemetery: The only Japanese war cemetery in Australia, meticulously maintained and a poignant reminder of the town's role as a prisoner-of-war camp during WWII. It's a place for quiet reflection.
• Cowra POW Camp Site: Visit the site of the infamous 1944 Cowra breakout, where over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted escape. Interpretive signs and a memorial mark this significant event.
• Cowra Rose Garden: Part of the Cowra Regional Art Gallery grounds, this garden boasts over 1,500 roses. Visit in late spring or early summer for the best blooms.
• Cowra Regional Art Gallery: Housed in a heritage-listed building, the gallery features changing exhibitions of Australian art, with a focus on local and Indigenous works.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to properly experience Cowra's main attractions. Start at the Japanese Garden in the morning when it's quiet, then visit the war cemetery and POW camp site in the afternoon. If you're a keen gardener or history buff, consider an overnight stay to also explore the town's heritage walk and enjoy a meal at one of the local cafés.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canowindra: A charming historic town known for its age-of-fishes fossil museum and hot-air ballooning.
• Young: The cherry capital of Australia – a sweet stop in summer, with orchards and a lively main street.
• Grenfell: Birthplace of poet Henry Lawson, with a heritage-listed main street and a weekly market.
• Orange: A thriving food and wine region, just over an hour's drive, perfect for cellar-door tastings and farm-to-table dining.
• Bathurst: Famous for the Mount Panorama racing circuit and a well-preserved gold-rush-era town centre.

Please check official sources for current details.