Top Things to do in Cowra
- 1. Cowra Japanese Garden
- 2. Cowra Visitor Information Centre
- 3. Cowra Prisoner of War Camp
- 4. Japanese War Cemetery
- 5. Australia's World Peace Bell
- 6. Lachlan Valley Railway Museum
- 7. Cowra Regional Art Gallery
- 8. Bellevue Hill Reserve and Lookout
- 9. Finds on Fitzroy
- 10. Kalari Cellar Door & Art Gallery
What to do and see in Cowra, Australia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Cowra, Australia including Cowra Japanese Garden, Cowra Visitor Information Centre, Cowra Prisoner of War Camp, Japanese War Cemetery, Australia's World Peace Bell, Lachlan Valley Railway Museum, Cowra Regional Art Gallery, Bellevue Hill Reserve and Lookout, Finds on Fitzroy, Kalari Cellar Door & Art Gallery.
Restaurants in Cowra
1. Cowra Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
Tranquil. It's the perfect word to describe Cowra's Japanese Garden. You can't help but feel completely at peace when you walk through the lush Gardens and cascading streams which represent the landscapes of Japan: where the hill is a mountain, streams are the rivers and the ponds inland lakes and the sea. Is this the most serene place in NSW? Spend some time walking around the equisitely manicured Kaiyushiki (strolling) garden, designed by Ken Nakajima and opened in 1979, and you be the judge.
Reviewed By DiandKevGoldCoast - Gold Coast
These Gardens are well worth a visit. It must have taken many years of hard work to bring these Gardens into being. The trees, the shrubs, the flowers are all set out in the typical formality which appears to be so natural.. the little streams, the ponds full of Koi fish all add to the atmosphere. One could almost imagine being in Japan. Beautiful, a credit to all those who has a hand in setting these Gardens up.
2. Cowra Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
The Cowra Visitor Information Centre is an essential first stop for visitors to the Cowra region. Our centre is home to 'Claire' the local girl who tells her personal account of the Cowra Breakout through a fascinating hologram presentation. The hologram is a free theatre and continues to be as popular as ever with the 60,000 plus visitors our friendly team welcome each year. Our centre is your one stop shop for local & regional information, maps, local produce, craft and now proudly over 40 varieties of local Cowra region wine. Why not select a bottle of award winning wine and some local produce to enjoy during your stay or better still, allow us to customise a hamper of local produce for you to enjoy during your stay.
Reviewed By bondibeach2015 - Sydney, Australia
Called in today as I have guests staying in and around Cowra over the coming month. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Plenty of information available on all areas and easy to work with
3. Cowra Prisoner of War Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By mrdom
Little of the camp remains apart from foundations, but paths and newly-planted trees show where it was, and placards, walking trails, and a voiceover at the guardtower will tell the story of the Breakout, all against a backdrop of rolling fields. You could walk around here for a while if you wanted.
4. Japanese War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By mrdom
Next to Cowra's general cemetery, there is a small section for Australian soldiers - including the 4 killed in the Breakout - and a section for Japanese soldiers who died while at the camp. It's good for a quick look at the Japanese monuments. The most interesting thing is seeing several Japanese POWs who were in their 70s.
5. Australia's World Peace Bell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Australia's World Peace Bell is situated in Cowra New South Wales Australia. This is the only Peace Bell not in a city in the world. Our Peace Bell is the only one with an audio describing how Cowra came to have the Peace Bell.
Reviewed By the_stoddarts - Sydney, Australia
Cowra is rightly proud of its Peace Bell as these are usually in capital cities. Made of coins from 103 United Nations member countries (melted and cast into the bell) it stands proudly in a pavilion. As you approach, an audio presentation commences with details about the bell and its association with Cowra.
Don’t forget to ring it too.
6. Lachlan Valley Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Lachlan Valley Railway is a non-profit, railway preservation society. We are a passionate and dedicated society devoted to the preservation and operation of various examples of New South Wales Government Railway trains, ranging from our operational steam and diesel locomotives, to our fleet of heritage passenger railway carriages, and our diesel 'Tin Hare' CPH railmotors. Stop by the historic Cowra Roundhouse Depot for a guided tour with Eddy who loves to share his knowledge and passion for NSW Railways and our history.
Reviewed By Harry P - Brisbane, Australia
We arrived here in a quiet time and Ted treated us to a very educational tour. Very extensive collection of engines (steam and diesel) carriages, and all the paraphernalia, buildings, documents, connected with the rail and its maintenance. Restoration is ongoing, and the volunteers have years of work ahead. They are doing a magnificent job, with extraordinary results. Its a stop well worth making the time for.
7. Cowra Regional Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory D - New Lambton
We have visited this small regional gallery several times over the years. There is always an interesting exhibition or two- this time the goggomobile d'art and the "Lady and the Unicorn" prints by Arthur Boyd. Very helpful, informative, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Definitely worth a visit in Cowra
8. Bellevue Hill Reserve and Lookout
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By mrdom
This is a prominent hill that gives great views over Cowra and the surrounding area. It's next to the Japanese garden so easy to combine a visit. However, they make it hard to walk up. Approaching from the town to the south, large parts of the hill are fenced off and there doesn't appear to be any walking paths. I walked up the road through the exit of Len Whiteley Drive and back down that way again. At the top, there are some paths being built that might connect to the road to the west. The lack of walking trails is particularly disappointing given the rampant obesity in Cowra.
9. Finds on Fitzroy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
If you love retro, vintage, industrial or decorative items for your home, then Finds on Fitzroy is definitely worth a visit! Located conveniently in the main street of Cowra, parking is easy and it's also just an easy walk to all of Cowra's eateries, shopping and entertainment options.
Reviewed By Ruze2794 - New South Wales, Australia
What a great shop. Brought back so many great memories from my childhood home and things that I remember from my grandparents homes. The owner is a lovely and very helpful person that is more than willing to help you find whatever it is you are looking for.
This business is beautifully presented and a place you must visit.
10. Kalari Cellar Door & Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By MissGall - Canberra, Australia
My partner and I came here on Valentine's Day and had an amazing tasting at the cellar door, one on one with the owner. We ended up leaving with a case of wine after being guided through the delicious wines that Ian has to offer. We would definitely recommend it. This was perhaps the first place we went that didn't have any trip advisor ratings as yet- but don't let that stop you!! Definitely worth a visit, take a couple of hours and book in advance during week days. We just rocked up on a weekend and Ian was very accommodating.
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