 | Cowra Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 12 |  |
Popular Things To Do | Miscellaneous Things To Do Tips | All Tips (12)  | |  |  | The Japanese Garden | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
Arising from the links forged between Japan and Cowra, the Cowra Japanese Garden was developed with funding assistance from both the Japanese and Australian Governments. It was designed by a prominent Japanese garden designer and in layout is representative of the landscape of Japan, with different areas standing for (eg) Mt Fuji and the Inland Sea. The Kaiyushiki (strolling) garden covers an area of 5 hectares and is the largest such garden in the southern hemisphere.
If the Information Office display is a ‘must see’, the Japanese Garden is the best known tourist attraction in Cowra. It is, simply, superb. We wandered around taking photographs – and finding that, to our surprise, no matter which way we pointed our cameras the scene was delightful. Our visit was at Easter, probably the busiest time of year for visitors, but the numbers were never intrusive. An audio tour guide is available for minimal cost and runs for one and a half hours – roughly the time it took us to walk the garden. The website lists the garden’s entry fees.
A final thought: if you are a keen gardener (that leaves me out), be sure to pick up a copy of the information brochure which catalogues all the types of plants used. As you walk around, you will find the trees and shrubs are numbered, such as the tree identified with the 91 tag in the final photo – that is the only reason I am able to tell you that it is a Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’ (Pink Flowering Cherry).
Open daily 0830 to 1700.
Main photo:Doesn’t it look like Japan? View through the gardens
Second photo:The entry to the gardens, Australian and Japanese flags
Third photo:Japanese temple bell
Fourth photo:Another view through the gardens
Fifth photo:Hey, that’s a Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’ – has to be, it’s 91 in the catalogue! Address: Binni Creek Rd, CowraPhone: (02) 6341 2233Directions: From the main street of Cowra, head up Brisbane Street and follow the signs.Website: www.cowrajapanesegarden.com.au Other Contact: garden@cowra.nsw.gov.au
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| | | | The Lachlan Valley Railway | Tip Rating: | | | | |
In my “Transport” tips, I have mentioned that Cowra no longer has passenger train services. It still has trains though, courtesy of an enthusiastic volunteer crew who run the Lachlan Valley Railway – so rail enthusiasts can still go for a ride, if not very far. The website below has details of trips.
The old Locomotive Depot is situated just at the edge of town, and that is the headquarters for the LVR. Here they have a range of steam and diesel locomotives and at least one vintage railmotor. They also do comprehensive maintenance and rebuilding of their rolling stock – I think I’ll stay with old motor cars, they’re somewhat less challenging!
We were able to ride on a 1927 vintage diesel railmotor. The excitement mounted as we passed through the 1900-era station to see what a curious old beast it was! With timber panelling redolent of a bygone era, not to mention curious signs, it all was something of a timewarp as we rattled and shook down the track to, eventually, a long-disused railway platform in the bush. What a difference from the TGV to Tours!
Main photo:Leaving Cowra railway station on the railmotor
Second photo:The old railmotor at a disused platform
Third photo:The old railmotor at a disused platform
Fourth photo:Thirsty – head for the luggage room (well, isn’t that where you’d expect to find a drink?).
Fifth photo:The LVR workshops take on some big jobs! Address: Locomotive Depot, Campbell St CowraPhone: (02) 6341 3599Directions: To the eastern end of Cowra. Head toward Sydney and turn right down Fitzroy St.Website: http://www.lvr.com.au/index.htm Other Contact: inquiries@lvr.com.au
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| | | | Former POW camp and the ‘Cowra Breakout’ | Tip Rating: | | | | |
As you stand at the lookout, rolling countryside typical of western New South Wales before you, it is chilling to recall the bizarre and tragic events here on 5 August 1944. At 0200, to the sound of a bugle, over 1100 Japanese war prisoners made the largest mass breakout from a prisoner of war camp in modern history. Not with any intent of returning to Japan, but driven by a need to die, preferably in battle, in order to expunge what they considered the disgrace of being prisoners. What ensued was the only land battle in Australia of the Second World War.
Breaking into four groups, and armed with makeshift knives, swords and clubs, they threw themselves onto the barbed wire en-masse, using blankets and heavy clothing as some form of protection. Then they charged a small guard emplacement which had a Vickers machine gun, aiming to capture the weapon and use it. Fortunately the Australian guards were able to sabotage the weapon before three died as they succumbed to the numbers.
The Japanese burned down most of their camp and over 350 escaped. Many Japanese committed suicide. Another Australian was killed during the recapture process, which lasted over a week. The last Japanese to be captured were actually in the course of being given a meal by a station owner’s wife who felt pity that they were essentially starving – she demanded they be allowed to finish before they were taken. Forty years later, one of the Japanese revisited the family.
Main photo:Memorial to the Breakout.
Second photo:From the viewing platform: information signs and remains of huts
Third photo:This sign shows the layout of the camp, divided into four sections. The breakout was from the top left sector.
Fourth photo:The last two escapees eating before being returned to custody. Address: Sakura Ave, CowraDirections: Follow the signs from the Japanese Gardens.
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| | | | Whatever else, visit the Information Centre | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Just to the west of the town centre, the Lachlan River flows to join distant rivers heading for the far ocean, near Adelaide. On the bank opposite the town, the Information Centre awaits you and should be any visitor’s first stop, as it is far more than somewhere to collect travel leaflets or to buy the locally produced jams and pickles.
Here you will find a small display relating to the Prisoner-of-War camps and the Cowra Breakout, as the event is known. Best of all, there is a small theatre in the style of a POW hut, running a free 9 minute show which is truly magical. A ghostly little lady the size of a leprechaun walks the stage and tells the story of her fiance who was a POW of the Japanese and how he was fortunate, unlike many others, to emerge alive at the end of the war despite the terrible conditions. She also tells the story of the Japanese and Italians who were POWs in Cowra and the aftermath. On the little stage, she is surrounded by actual items from the former POW camp and, in the background, changing photos from the period.
Her image is created by a process called Pepper’s Ghost (not, as often suggested, by a hologram). This display is without doubt the most impressive and professional I have seen in any Information Office – factual, informative, charming and moving. Don’t miss it!
Oh yes, while you are there, don’t forget to pick up some of the information brochures which are available from the very friendly staff.
Main photo:View of the inside of the theatre
Second photo:The ghostly leprechaun lady
Third photo: The lady tells us about the layout of the POW camp
Fourth photo: The lady also interacts with items on the stage.
Fifth photo: Part of the small museum outside the theatre. Address: Olympic Park, CowraPhone: (02) 6342 4333Directions: Cross the Lachlan River from the town, it's in the Olympic Park, Cnr Mid Western Hwy and Lachlan Valley Way.Website: www.cowratourism.com.au Other Contact: tourism@cowra.nsw.gov.au
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| | | | What’s in a name? Cowra ‘Fun Museums’ | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Most Australian country towns have a local community museum. These museums usually: are run by local volunteer enthusiast groups; are under-funded; are under-resourced; lack the climate-controlled air conditioning and fancy presentation of ‘official’ museums; tend to have mixtures of material provided by the local community. On the other hand, they often contain exciting surprises; their members must be applauded for their efforts, for otherwise much of this material would be lost forever; and the entry fees usually are low, so you risk little by visiting to look for the ‘gems’. They deserve your support.
Cowra’s ‘Fun Museums’ fits the outline above, but it’s larger than most and covers a substantial area behind a long-closed service-station façade. And here’s the real enigma, for I find the name totally at odds with the content. Outside you’ll see the ‘Bugs Bunny’ signs and may expect something to amuse the smaller kids: but the collection of railway, rural and (heaven forbid in a ’Fun Museum) war and POW relics is hardly meant for small children, though they may enjoy the large model trains display.
It’s quite an amazing collection. We had a special night visit with the car club, so photos were limited by the flash and by the limited lighting. There are rows of old tractors and agricultural implements; huge amounts of railway memorabilia, including carriages (and who knows what else outside in the darkness); working steam engines; and a large military collection including guns, tanks (and a German Hanomag half-track with Nazi flags behind), uniforms and various items from the former POW camp. Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting – but ‘Fun Museums’ is a complete misnomer! Open daily from 0900-1700.
Main photo:’Fun Museums’ sign on an old fire truck
Second photo:As you enter, the description is clearer
Third photo:Emptying some of those cans might have been fun!
Fourth photo:Rows of old tractors and (behind) railway signs
Fifth photo:Part of the military collection. Address: Mid Western HighwayPhone: (02) 6342 2801Directions: 5km east of CowraWebsite: www.caravancitycowra.com.au Other Contact: caravan@bigpond.net.au
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on April 12, 2007
on November 20, 2006
