Cowra isn’t too far (in Australian terms!!) from where we are currently staying so we decided we could make this a day trip rather than needing to stay over. So here is how we spent our day in Cowra!
We started the day with a delicious brunch at the Breakout Brasserie, a pretty little café with outside tables situated underneath the grapevines and surrounded by boutique shops.
All the food looked delicious, but mine was particularly photogenic – I even spotted the waitress snapping a shot of mine before bringing it over
We then wandered up the high street to see (and ring) Australia’s World Peace Bell. It is made from melted down coins donated by member countries of the United Nations and there is an audio presentation where you can hear more information about the bell. It’s harder to ring than you might think but sounds very pretty.
Once we had finished with the bell and the high street stores, we hopped into the car and drove up the hill to the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. These gardens would be stunning at any time of year, but were particularly pretty with the cherry blossom in full bloom.
It was tranquil and the wildlife was obviously thriving in and around the water falls and ponds – lizards sunning themselves in the middle of the lawn, plenty of Koi and families of ducks feeding and swimming. It’s open every day except Christmas Day so I’m quite sure we will be returning when we next need to wind down and relax.
Next stop was a visit to the Prisoner of War Campsite on the outskirts of the town. The site is renowned as the in 1944 over 1000 Japanese Prisoners of War staged a mass breakout – the biggest in British and Australian War history.
A walking trail takes you through the camp ruins, and there is plenty of information available on numerous signs and through audio presentations around the site. Well worth a visit.
Then we continued along Sakura Avenue to the Japanese and Australian War Cemetery – the only Japanese War Cemetery in Australia. A black granite monument is the main feature, and interestingly the land it stands on belongs to Japan!
Our final stop before heading home was Bellevue Hill Lookout to take in the view of Cowra and the shire. Simply beautiful – a bit misty and my photos did not do it justice.
Recommendations
- Do: If you think you may return to the Japanese Gardens, consider a annual pass. It’s not much more expensive than a single ticket.
- Eat: The Breakout Brasserie has a delicious Breakfast and Lunch menu OR The Bellevue lookout would be the perfect picnic spot!
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I would love to see the Japanese Gardens they look stunning