Corowa, NSW: Things to Do in the Birthplace of Federation

Corowa, NSW: Things to Do in the Birthplace of Federation

Corowa is a charming historic town set on the banks of the mighty Murray River in southern New South Wales. Located approximately 600 kilometres from Sydney and 300 kilometres from Melbourne, Corowa is an easy and rewarding stop on a regional road trip.

Often referred to as the Birthplace of Federation, Corowa played a pivotal role in Australia’s history. In 1893, an important conference was held here where leaders agreed that the people should vote to elect representatives to draft Australia’s Constitution — a key step toward the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901.

Today, Corowa is a relaxed riverside town known for its heritage buildings, leafy parks, great food and wine, and strong sense of history.

During our visit, we explored the town centre, enjoyed morning tea at the Corowa Distilling Company, visited the Federation Museum, followed the heritage walk, and finished with a visit to All Saints Estate in nearby Rutherglen.

Exploring Corowa Town Centre

Corowa’s town centre features wide streets lined with beautifully preserved heritage buildings, giving the town a classic country feel. There’s a great selection of cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and boutique shops to browse, all within easy walking distance.

Near Memorial Plaza, we discovered a series of interactive murals created by local street artist Kade Sarte, in collaboration with local high school students. Inspired by the Murray River, the murals feature native wildlife including an echidna, brush-tailed possum, local birdlife, and a Murray Cod.

Another standout is the impressive “Our Place” mural on the side of Woolworths. Stretching 35 metres long, this artwork features an oxidised steel representation of the Murray River alongside colourful panels created by local school children and artists.

As we wandered along Federation Avenue, we also admired the striking brolga sculptures, which add another artistic touch to the streetscape.

Corowa Distilling Co

The Corowa Distilling Company is one of the town’s standout attractions. It’s housed inside the historic Corowa Flour Mill, a four-storey brick building built in the 1920s on Steel Street.

After purchasing the derelict building from council for just $1, the owners undertook extensive renovations to transform it into a distillery, café, and chocolate factory — while retaining its industrial character.

We enjoyed a relaxed morning tea in the café before wandering through the distillery, whisky tasting room, and grounds. Corowa Distilling Co. is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for whisky tastings, breakfast, coffee and cakes, and lunch.

Corowa Federation Museum

To learn more about Corowa’s important role in Australian history, we visited the Corowa Federation Museum.

The museum explores the events of the 1893 Corowa Conference, bringing this defining moment in Australia’s journey to Federation to life through engaging displays, historical documents, and original artefacts. You’ll also find exhibits covering local industry, river trade, and community life, making it a worthwhile stop for history lovers.

Corowa Heritage Walk

Corowa was officially proclaimed a town in 1858, and its strategic position along the Murray River quickly saw it develop into an important port and service centre for surrounding farming districts.

The Corowa Heritage Walk is an easy and informative way to explore the town’s history. Plaques along Sanger Street explain the significance of many of the beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.

Globe Hotel: Built in 1893, the Globe Hotel hosted the evening banquet for the 180 delegates and politicians attending the Corowa Federation Conference.

Corowa Post Office: Opened in 1881, this building served as both the postal and telegraph office for the town.

Hotel Australia: Originally built in 1893 as the Australian Hotel, it underwent major renovations in 1930 and now features an elegant Art Deco façade.

Commercial Bank of Sydney: Constructed in 1901, this building is now home to the National Australia Bank.

Royal Hotel: Completed in 1861, the Royal Hotel hosted the official luncheon for the Corowa Federation Conference on 31 July 1893.

Corowa School of Arts: Built in 1873, this building is now known as the Corowa Memorial Hall.

All Saints Estate, Rutherglen

Just 5 kilometres from Corowa, All Saints Estate is one of the landmark wineries of the Rutherglen wine region. Established in 1864, the estate’s cellar door is located within a stunning heritage-listed castle, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.

All Saints Estate produces both table wines and fortified styles and is particularly renowned for its Muscat, Muscadelle, and vintage fortified wines. The cellar door is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, offering tastings, winery tours, and the chance to explore the grounds.

The estate is also home to two restaurants and a fascinating piece of social history — the Chinese Dormitory, built more than 100 years ago. Chinese labourers worked as vineyard hands here during the 1860s and 1870s, and this building is the last remaining example of its type in Australia.

Stanton & Killeen Winery, Rutherglen

While exploring the Rutherglen wine region, we also visited Stanton & Killeen Winery, one of the area’s most respected and historic family-owned wineries. Established in 1875, Stanton & Killeen has been producing wine for generations and is internationally renowned for its Rutherglen Muscat and fortified wines.

The cellar door is set within the original 19th-century winery buildings, creating a warm and atmospheric tasting experience. Visitors can sample a range of table wines and fortifieds while learning about the family’s long winemaking history and the unique Rutherglen wine styles. Tastings are relaxed and informative, making it an excellent stop for both seasoned wine lovers and casual visitors.

Blend Your Own Muscat Experience

For those wanting a deeper and more interactive insight into Rutherglen’s famous fortified wines, Stanton & Killeen also offer a ‘Blend Your Own Muscat’ experience.

This immersive experience begins with a guided tour of the winery’s historic 19th-century buildings, where participants learn about the rich history of Rutherglen Muscat, traditional winemaking methods, and the solera system used to create these iconic fortified wines. Guests are then invited to step into the role of winemaker, blending their own Muscat using carefully selected parcels of wine.

With expert guidance, you can experiment with flavour, sweetness, and texture to create a blend that suits your personal taste. Once complete, your Muscat is bottled, sealed, and labelled for you to take home — making it a memorable and hands-on way to connect with Rutherglen’s winemaking heritage.

This experience is a fantastic option for wine lovers looking for something unique and creative to add to their visit to the region.

👉 Read more about the Blend Your Own Bottle of Muscat

experience in Rutherglen

Why Visit Corowa & the Rutherglen Wine Region

Corowa is a destination that effortlessly blends Australian history, riverside charm, and outstanding food and wine. From exploring heritage buildings and learning about the town’s role in Federation to enjoying local art, distilleries, and relaxed Murray River scenery, Corowa offers plenty to discover at an easy pace.

With the renowned wineries of Rutherglen just minutes away — including All Saints Estate and Stanton & Killeen — it also makes a perfect base for wine lovers. Whether you’re visiting for history, regional flavours, or a scenic road trip stop along the Murray, Corowa is a rewarding and memorable place to explore.

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