On the banks of the Lachlan River, Cowra’s country town charm and unique events call visitors from all over the country. In rural New South Wales, Cowra offers a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with many venturing here for a tranquil getaway. With annual festivities such as the famed Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival and the Cowra Winter Wanderlust, there’s never a dull moment in this picturesque setting. If you’re heading here on a holiday, invest in a Hertz rental car to make your way through the region with ease. From winery tours to local landmarks, discover the best of Cowra and the Canowindra Region in our guide below.
Wine and Dine Your Way Around Cowra
If you’re a wine lover, you’re in luck. Blessed with fertile soils and a continental climate perfect for growing, the Cowra Wine Region boasts 40 wineries and vineyards, making it the ideal destination for a luxury escape to the country. With so many to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to two wineries in the area that promise the best sampling experiences and tastings. Planted in 1998, Kalari Wines offers a range of boutique wines from the Verdelho and Shiraz grapes. Head down to the cellar door in Cowra for a walk through the vineyard and to sample the flavourful selections on offer. For a fine dining experience in the heart of Cowra, discover The Quarry Restaurant and Cellar Door. The menu here is created with seasonal, fresh produce in mind and the wine list offers an extensive menu of organic, locally made wines. With events like the Cowra Wine Show and Cowra on the Coast taking place throughout the year, there’s an array of wine-focused experiences, tastings and tours on offer in Cowra.
If you’re looking to travel farther out and enjoy the feeling of the open road, embark on a scenic trip to Mudgee Wine Country. A three-hour drive from Cowra feels like no time at all in a Hertz rental car. Start your wine-tasting adventure at the Robert Stein Winery, Vineyard and Farm. Known for its wide range of wines from the naturally fermented Reserve Range to the innovative blü hen Series, uncover the taste of the Mudgee region at this 5 Red Star James Halliday Winery. Patrons can embark on tours of the vineyard and partake in curated wine tastings, plus, the winery also houses its own motorcycle museum filled with family-collected memorabilia. Indulge in a taste of farm-fresh lunch from the food truck and nibble on High Valley cheeses from the seasonal menu. Travelling West, make your way over to the Lowe Family Wine Co. Here, you can purchase a ticket to the ‘Lowe Show’ which sees patrons journeying through the vineyards on a guided tour, as well as a tasting of the winery's signature biodynamic vintages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable wine experience, remember to assign a designated driver.
Embrace Natural Beauty From the Ground Up
Back in town in Cowra, step into another world with a visit to the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. The largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, wander the day away here surrounded by unique flora and serene rivers. Aside from the expansive gardens, visitors can browse the Cultural Centre for a look at historical artefacts including ceramic works and Nanga ink paintings. A must for garden enthusiasts and cultural explorers, the Cowra Japanese Garden is a hidden gem in Central New South Wales. From here, it’s a three-minute drive or half an hour stroll past the gardens to the Cowra Prisoner of War Campsite. Highly recommended for historians, this campsite is one of the top Heritage sites in the state, commemorating the Japanese and Australian prisoners who lost their lives during the 1944 breakout. Discover the site with a walking trail through the grounds, learn about the historic events through signage and stand under the replica Guard Tower. A visit to the POW camp while in town makes time for visitors to learn about and understand the importance of the events that took place here.
Now that you’re aware of the local landmarks in Cowra and have traversed the region on the hunt for the best wines, it’s time to see it all from above on a hot-air balloon flight. Take to the skies and tick off this bucket list experience with a flight over the Canowindra region. Rise early in the morning to meet your guide 30 minutes before sunrise and embark on the scenic adventure of a lifetime. With flights lasting 50-60 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights and surroundings as well as capture picture-perfect photographs to bring home. From standard sunrise flights to exclusive two-person flights, a hot-air balloon experience will be enjoyed by all.
Serenity, nature and history are all calling in Cowra. Plan your next holiday here for a taste of peaceful country life in this glorious, humble town.
