Cowra History

Early Cowra History

Prior to European settlement, the area known as Cowra was inhabited by the Wiradjuri People. First Eurpoean exploration of the area occured in 1815, with the first settlers arriving on the Lachlan from 1831. In the local Wiradjuri language, the word "Coura" is believed to mean rocks, appropriate for a town with rocky granite surrounds.

Cowra Heritage Walk 

Available at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, the Cowra Heritage Walk brochure takes visitors on a journey through the town's central business district. From historic residential and commercial buildings to old churches and the courthouse, we are lucky that many of these buildings have been preserved and renovated to their former glory. Many of these buildings are open to the public including the Old Stone Flour Mill (1860), Ilfracombe residence (1879) and the Australian Hotel (1846).

Download a copy of the Cowra Heritage Walk Brochure.

Military & Migrant Camps 

Situated east of Cowra, the Military camp trained some 80,000
military personnel whilst in operation from 1940 until after the
war. The camp then became home to between 17-19,000 new
Australians in the form of the Cowra Migrant Camp. Whilst the
campsite itself is now private land, a memorial has been erected
in honour of the migrant families of Cowra in Europa Park, east
of Cowra. There is also a memorial on Military Parade to mark the
location of the Military Camp.

A collection of family stories from former residents of the Cowra Migrant Camp is available at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre. "Australia, A New Country - A New Life" has been compiled by the Cowra & District Historical Society. If you would like further information, please contact the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.

The day Kingsford Smith flew under the Cowra Bridge

Back in 1922 Kingsford Smith flew under Cowra Bridge with local man Ken Richards. Read more about this astonishing event.

Iandra Castle, Greenethorpe

Close to Cowra in the small village of Greenethorpe stands Iandra Castle. Iandra Castle was established by George Henry Greene from 1878-1911, and represents a rare example of complete feudal-like estate, modelled on the English Manor System. It has no equal in New South Wales or Australia. The Castle opens to the public only on certain days of the year. More