Destination guides > Australia > New South Wales > Central west New South Wales > Cowra
Cowra
This small country town on the banks of the Lachlan River was the scene of the Cowra Breakout – an escape attempt by Japanese prisoners of war that took place in 1944. Although more than 200 prisoners died during the breakout, the incident has gone a long way in building Australian-Japanese relations and Cowra is now home to Japanese war cemeteries, gardens and a cultural centre.
Practical information
Cowra Tourism Centre
Corner Boorowa Road and Mid Western Highway, Cowra
Tel (02) 6342 4333
Website www.cowratourism.com.au
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & going
CountryLink buses go to Cowra from Bathurst, Cootamundra, Grenfell and Orange. Buses depart from the Bus Zone on Macquarie Street.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Japanese Gardens & Cultural Centre
Cowra’s biggest attraction is the Japanese Gardens and the adjoining cultural centre. It is the setting for many Japanese festivals and public holidays that are celebrated in Cowra.
Scenic Drive, Cowra
Tel (02) 6341 2233
Website www.cowrajapanesegarden.com.au
Admission $7.70
Open 8.30am-5pm daily
Cowra Breakout Memorial & Japanese War Cemetery
The memorial is situated at the scene of the Cowra Breakout while the Australian and Japanese War Cemetery lies several kilometres north.
Memorial Corner of Farm Street & Sakura Avenue, Cowra
Cemetery Doncaster Drive, Cowra
Admission free
