There are so many interesting sights and places to see in the region that it is easy to miss some! However, here is an overview of what the Shires of Cowra, Canowindra (Can-oun-dra) and Orange have to offer.

Tourist Information Centres

Cowra Visitor Information Corporation

Orange Visitor Information Centre

Blayney Visitor Information Centre

Canowindra Information Centre - Age of Fishes Museum

Parkes Visitor Information Centre

Food, Wine and Restaurants

Delights of the area include some of Australia's finest produce including fine wines, olives, Wagyu beef, Cowra cheese, Chinese red dates, corn fed lamb, cherries and organic asparagus.

At Taste Canowindra you can sample over 40 local wines, enjoy food and music in the restaurant or browse the local art. Drop in and have a chat to Bob or Marg.

There are 36 local vineyards including Mulyan Cellar Doors, The Mill, Wallington, Chiverton and River park .

Swinging Bridge Estate winery was first planted in 1995 by the Ward and the Payten families with an initial planting of Shiraz and Chardonnay. The vineyard is located to the south of Canowindra in the Central Ranges of New South Wales (45min south west of Orange and 25min north of Cowra).

A short drive from Canowindra is The Falls Vineyard Retreat, winners of multiple awards for their excellent wine. Call in to see Zoe and Peter.

Choose from over 30 restaurants in the area. We recommend that you try Neila , La Vita or The Quarry .

Deli Lama is a deli with a difference offering 'food for the soul' with a magnificent selection of local foods.

Rosnay Organic Farm provides a range of food and wine that are a delicious, healthy and an artful expression of the land where they are grown.

Eat Your Greens Function Centre Eugowra offers a tranquil setting amongst the gum trees beside the Mandagery Creek. Specialising in modern Australian fare, using local and home grown produce, they are wedding reception specialists. Call Neil & Jayne on 026859386.

Places of Historical Interest

Everview Retreat overlooks the site of the First Inland Settlement in NSW In December 1816 William Cox established a base for the first fully equipped expedition into the interior of NSW. His surveyor General John Oxley led the party. Soldier's Flat Settlement developed and grew into a community. A monument to these settlers and the harsh conditions they experienced is erected between the vineyards in the valley as you approach Everview.

A visit to Cowra just isn’t complete without a visit to The Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre. Opened in 1979, this multi award winning Garden is a ‘must’ see at any time of the year.

The Cowra Prisoner of War Camp Site is the site of the famous Cowra Breakout.

Take yourself into a bygone time at the Age of Fishes Museum.

Bushranger enthusiasts will enjoy the trails left by outlaws such as Ben Hall and appreciate the area where he robbed the 'Escort Gold' at Escort rock. Historical museums are also located at Canowindra & Eugowra.

The Lachlan Valley Railway is an authentic locomotive depot from the steam era housing steam locomotives, vintage diesels, goods and passenger vehicles.

The Cowra Visitor Information Centre features the 'Cowra breakout hologram".

Arts and Craft

Explore what historical Canowindra has to offer with boutiques and specialty shops

Numerous galleries for the art lover include Riverbank Gallery which has new exhibitions monthly by local and regional artists. Artist in residence is David Isbester. Contact David or Catherine on (63)442778.

Antiques, gifts, homewares, lamps and jewellery can be found at the Canowindra Trading Post. If you need to recharge your batteries you can enjoy Lavazza coffee, cookies and cakes. Enjoy the hospitality provided by Nick and Rob, the winners of many tourism awards.

Other Activities

The Parkes Observatory centre features displays and interactive exhibits about the Parkes Radio Telescope. It contains two theatres including the 3D theatre which has a variety of astronomy related 3D shows.

Featuring one of the largest telescopes accessible to the public, a 500mm Newtonian, the Darby Falls Observatory is located near Cowra.

The Canowindra Historical Society & museum Inc. is well worth a look with lots to see Phone 63441747 Sat 10am - 1pm Sunday 2pm - 4pm or by appointment.