Things to Do

Cowra Japanese Gardens

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is a registered cultural organisation, and is classified by the National Trust as ‘A place of Significant Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance.'

Cowra POW Camp

Today, the Cowra POW Campsite is full of interpretive signage to help you visualise what once stood in this picturesque part of Cowra. Stand under the replica guard tower and an audio presentation will bring the scene to life.

Australia’s Peace Bell

Cowra is also the home of Australia's World Peace Bell. Located in Civic Square, the Australian World Peace Bell is a replica of the one that stands in the forecourt of the United Nations Headquarters in New York as a reminder of the continual need for all nations to work for peace. The Australian World Peace Bell was awarded to Cowra in 1992 for its long-standing contribution to world peace and international understanding. It is the only World Peace Bell in the world that is not located in a city.

Japanese War Cemetery

Established in 1964, this is the only Japanese War Cemetery to be retained in Australia. There are 523 graves at the Japanese War Cemetery, containing the remains of the 231 Japanese soldiers who were killed in the 1944 Cowra Breakout and all Japanese Nationals who died on Australian soil during World War II. 

Darby Falls Observatory

Darby’s Falls Observatory is the primary reason for visiting the village. The observatory boasts one of the largest telescopes available to the public. The astronomers will reveal the wide universe and show visitors around the night sky, pointing out things like the moon, planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae. Darby’s Falls Observatory is open every night, weather conditions permitting and at other times by appointment.

Ironbark Walking Track

Ironbark walking track in Conimbla National Park is a pleasant 1.5hr loop bushwalk with lovely scenic views, great birdwatching and wildflower photography opportunities.

Lachlan Valley Railway Society

The Lachlan Valley Railway is an Australian rail preservation society based in the New South Wales Central Western town of Cowra. It was established in 1974 to preserve former New South Wales Government Railways locomotives and rolling stock.

Cowra Garrison Gates

Resolutely standing guard within Cowra’s residential area, on the corner of Binni Creek Road and Amaroo Avenue, you’ll find the Garrison Gates. The brick structures mark the original entrance to the headquarters of the 22nd Garrison Battalion, the unit responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Cowra POW Camp.

Cowra Regional Art Gallery

The Cowra Regional Art Gallery is located in Cowra’s main cultural precinct together with the Cowra Library, World Peace Bell and the Cowra Civic Centre. The Gallery opened in October 2000 and aims to foster an appreciation, awareness and enjoyment of the visual arts in the community and prides itself as an important part of the cultural life of the region.

Cowra Rose Garden

The Cowra Rose Garden contains approximately 880 bushes of 130 varieties including a bed of the beautiful Cowra Rose. The garden was recommended by Ben Swane of Swane’s Nursery in 1987. He proposed landscaping the then new Visitor Information Centre as a Rose Garden tourist attraction for Cowra and the district.

Farliegh Beach Reserve

Farleigh Reserve is a peaceful picnic area on the bank of the Lachlan River, just 10km from the centre of Cowra.

Canola Cowra Tours

Take a scenic flight with Fly Oz and enjoy the picturesque birds eye views our countryside has to offer. Flights also include the spectacular sights of Wyangala Dam, Canowindra and further afield.

Cowra Wine Tours

The Cowra Wine Region is home to some of the most exceptional wine tasting experiences and wineries in NSW.

Balloon Joy Flights

Balloon Joy Flights is a small family owned hot air balloon passenger company run by Graham, Jan and Anton Kerr in Canowindra NSW. Canowindra is the balloon capital of Australia and the historic home of Hot Air Ballooning in Australia because the atmospheric wind conditions are the most favourable for all year hot air ballooning in Australia. We have been flying balloons in Canowindra for over 35 years.

Wyangala Dam

The village of Wyangala is an absolute adventure playground. For starters, it’s the hub of Wyangala Waters Holiday & Recreation Park. There’s also a nine-hole golf course and tennis court available for visitors. After a day of fishing and water sports, you can relax with a meal and a drink at the Wyangala Country Club. Or pack a picnic and head to Dissipater Park, which is located right at the base of the dam wall. It’s a spectacular backdrop for any occasion.

Cherrry Blossoms Festival:  Sakura Matsuri   Sat 24 – Sun 25 Sept

Sakura Matsuri is a major event on Cowra’s tourism calendar, celebrating the birth of spring. It attracts performers from across Australia and around the world. Locals, Australian and International visitors alike have the opportunity to experience traditional elements of Japanese culture. Sakura Matsuri at the Cowra Japanese Garden is celebrated annually in September when the cherry blossoms are at their peak. The cherry blossoms usually continue to flower up until mid October.

The festival is a celebration of Japanese culture with displays and demonstrations including art, craft and music – the Taiko Drummers are always popular, martial arts and Sumo, tea ceremonies, and stall holders offering a range of products, food and beverages.

Cowra Festival of International Understanding   9–12 Mar

A unique event celebrating our diversity

The Festival originated in the mid-1960s at a time when the town was coming to recognise the benefits of promoting understanding between nations. It is a credit to the local community — and recognition of their support for this first event — that the Festival immediately grabbed the public's attention. Cowra Festival of International Understanding (originally the Festival of the Lachlan Valley) is a community-based event focusing on Cowra's unique place as the home of reconciliation. Proudly hosting Australia's World Peace Bell — this honour derived from Cowra's first-hand experience of war with the POW Breakout of Japanese prisoners in 1944.

This annual Festival was first conceived in 1964 as Cowra Shire approached the 150th anniversary of Surveyor George William Evans' exploration of the Lachlan River in May 1815. It was suggested that some form of celebration be held to mark this historic occasion.

Cowra Wine Show:  July 16th - 22nd

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