Explore Cowra & Beyond
Experience the best of Cowra and the Central West, with plenty of sights, attractions, and experiences to enjoy during your stay. From scenic lookouts and historic landmarks to parks and cultural sites, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Wyangala Dam
Wyangala Dam is located just a short distance from Cowra. Offering boating (boat ramp in reflections park), fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.
The area also offers picturesque lookouts and walking trails with views across the lake and has a number of beautiful camping areas.
Japanese Gardens
Covering five hectares, it is the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, built in Cowra due to its profound significance in Japanese history with Cowra being the site of the breakout from the prisoner of war camp.
The garden is a symbolic representation of Japan’s serene landscapes and a tribute to reconciliation. The garden is considered a representation of harmony, remembrance, and the enduring bond between two nations.
Prisoner of War Camp
A heritage listed location of historical significance this is the site of the largest Prisoner of War escape in Australia. Visitors can see the ruins of the camp with walking trails and signage exploring the area of the cap. Various memorials have been erected commemorating the event and those loss in the breakout.
The Cowra Visitor Information Centre has a 9-minute presentation of the breakout from the perspective of a local.
Age of Fishes Museum
Located in the neighbouring town of Canowindra (33km) is the Age of Fishes Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Devonian period fossils, interactive exhibits, and engaging educational programs.
A site once visited by David Attenborough who called the fossils ‘World Class’ this museum is interesting to young and old and presents a fascinating exhibit of the fossils which were unearthed in 1955.
Koorawatha Falls
Located just 20 minutes from Cowra, visit the Koorawatha Nature Reserve, home to the famous Koorawatha Falls and Weir. The weir was built across the Bang Bang Creek in 1913 to supply water to the railway.
Continue past the Weir to find Koorawatha Falls, located about 7km from the highway. Please note that the Falls are only accessible with extreme care along an uneven dirt track and by 4 wheel drive vehicles only. The falls are at their best and most visible after rainfall.
Cowra Regional Art Gallery
Showcasing local and travelling exhibitions the Cowra Art Gallery is located in the Cultural Precinct (opposite the Peace Bell).
The gallery regularly runs talks, workshops, educational programs and interactive events for people of all ages and features a Gallery Shop.
Australia’s World Peace Bell
Made from melted down coins donated by 106 member countries of the United Nations, Australia’s World Peace Bell is a testament to Cowra’s long-standing contribution to world peace and international understanding.
Recognised by the World Peace Bell Association in 1992, the bell is proudly housed in Cowra’s Civic Square where visitors can read the interpretive signage, listen to the audio presentation and even ring the bell itself.
Close to Everything
Stay with us and enjoy the ease of having everything close at hand. From local services to nearby towns and sights, it’s all within easy reach, making your stay simple, comfortable, and stress-free.
- Japanese Gardens - 5 mins
- Prisoner of War Camp - 6 mins
- Cowra Art Gallery - 2 mins
- Peace Bell - 2 mins
- Wyangala Dam - 35 mins
- Koorawatha Falls - 37 mins
- Lachlan Valley Rail Museum - 18 mins
- Cowra Shopping Centre - 2 min (walk)
- Information Centre - 4 mins
- Cowra Hospital - 2 mins
- Cowra Civic Centre - 2 mins
- Woolworths/BWS - 3 mins
- Aldi - 2 mins
- Canowindra - 33 km
- Blayney - 73km
- Forbes - 92km
- Orange - 94 km
- Parkes - 105km
- Bathurst - 106 km
