Cowra, New South Wales - Japanese Gardens, POW History and Art

Cowra, New South Wales - Japanese Gardens, POW History and Art

Set on the banks of the Lachlan River in Central West New South Wales, Cowra is a town that gently surprises you. Located around 305 kilometres west of Sydney, it’s best known for its stunning Japanese gardens, but Cowra’s story runs much deeper — shaped by wartime history, reconciliation, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

First Impressions of Cowra

During our visit to Cowra, we spent time wandering the tranquil Cowra Japanese Gardens, learning about the town’s powerful World War II history at the Visitor Centre and Prisoner of War Campsite, and enjoying the softer side of Cowra through rose gardens, sculptures, and colourful street art.

Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

The centrepiece of Cowra is the Cowra Japanese Garden, the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning five hectares, this peaceful garden is a powerful symbol of reconciliation, goodwill, and friendship between Australia and Japan.

Designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima, the garden incorporates six traditional landscape elements — mountains, rocks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers flowing to the ocean, and pine trees. Together, they create a space that feels both intentional and deeply calming.

Wandering the pathways takes you past lakes filled with koi fish (which you can feed in warmer months), stone lanterns, waterfalls, and shady trees. There’s also a beautiful bonsai collection showcasing the artistry and patience behind these miniature living sculptures.

Inside the Cultural Centre, you’ll find a traditional dry garden with carefully raked designs that change regularly, along with hundreds of Japanese artworks and artefacts that add further depth to the experience.

Understanding History at the Cowra Visitor Centre

The Cowra Visitor Information Centre is an essential stop to fully understand the town’s history. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, it features informative displays about the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp and the events of the Cowra Breakout.

One of the most moving experiences is a short 9-minute hologram presentation, where a local girl named Claire shares her personal account of the breakout and its lasting impact on the community. It’s a thoughtful and accessible way to engage with a complex chapter of Australian history.

Cowra Prisoner of War POW Campsite

A short drive from town brings you to the Cowra Prisoner of War Campsite, one of the most significant heritage sites in New South Wales. Established in 1941 during World War II, the camp initially housed Italian prisoners of war before later accommodating Japanese prisoners and civilian internees.

In the early hours of 5 August 1944, more than 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass breakout — the largest prisoner-of-war escape in modern military history. The event resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese prisoners and four Australian soldiers from the 22nd Garrison.

Today, you can wander among the remaining ruins and read interpretive signage that explains what happened here. From this tragic event grew a deep and lasting friendship between Cowra and Japan — a relationship that defines the town to this day.

Roses, Sculptures & Creative Spaces

Right outside the Visitor Centre is the Cowra Rose Garden, home to around 130 varieties of roses. From late October through to May, the garden is alive with colour and fragrance, making it a lovely place for a gentle wander.

Across the road, in the John Moon Arboretum, you’ll find the Cowra Sculpture Park — an open-air gallery of striking works gifted by Macquarie University. The sculptures, created by nationally and internationally recognised artists, are scattered through the landscape and invite you to explore at your own pace.

Murals, Peace Symbols & the City Centre

As we explored the streets of Cowra, we discovered vibrant murals by artists The Zookeeper, Drapl, and Brightsiders, including works near the Lachlan Hotel and on the Civic Theatre. These colourful pieces add a contemporary edge to the town’s historic streets.

Near the Council Building stands a gentle reminder of Cowra’s global message — the Peace Bell, made from melted-down coins donated by 106 United Nations member countries. It’s a quiet but powerful symbol of Cowra’s commitment to peace and international understanding.

Wiradjuri Stories at the Bridge Murals

Close to Bryant Park, beneath the Lachlan River Bridge, the Cowra Bridge Pylons are decorated with striking Aboriginal murals. Painted by local Wiradjuri artist Kym Freeman, these works depict the history and culture of the Wiradjuri people, who lived in the Cowra area long before European settlement. They’re a meaningful and important part of Cowra’s story — one that connects past and present in a very visible way.

Why Cowra Leaves a Lasting Impression

Cowra is more than a country town — it’s a place of reflection, beauty, and reconciliation. From the serenity of the Japanese Gardens to the confronting history of the POW Campsite, and from fragrant rose gardens to modern street art, Cowra invites you to slow down and really take it in. It’s a destination that stays with you — not just for what you see, but for what you feel while you’re there.

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