Cowra

Cowra is a town located in the central west region of New South Wales, Australia. It lies at the confluence of the Lachlan and Cowra rivers, approximately 300 kilometres west of Sydney. The Cowra district is primarily known for its agricultural production, with a strong focus on sheep and cattle grazing, as well as wheat and canola farming.

The town's history is significant, particularly its role during World War II. Cowra was the site of a major prisoner-of-war camp, and in 1944, it witnessed the largest prisoner escape attempt in Australian military history, known as the Cowra Break-out. The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is a prominent landmark, commemorating the Japanese prisoners of war and fostering cultural exchange.

Cowra's economy is also supported by viticulture, with several wineries located in the surrounding region, producing wines such as Chardonnay and Shiraz. The town serves as a regional service centre, providing amenities and facilities for its residents and the surrounding agricultural communities. The Lachlan Valley Railway Society operates heritage steam train services from Cowra, attracting tourists interested in rail history. Cowra experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters, and its landscape is characterized by rolling hills and fertile river valleys.