Cowra Visitor Information Centre and POW Theatre
Discover Cowra's poignant POW history and enduring friendship with Japan through a captivating hologram and local produce.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, staff attentive
Cowra Visitor Information Centre and POW Theatre
Best Time
Less crowded, staff attentive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cowra's poignant POW history and enduring friendship with Japan through a captivating hologram and local produce.
"A heartwarming experience with a powerful story of peace and understanding."
Don't Miss the Hologram Show
The 9-minute holographic presentation on the POW camp is highly recommended and very moving.
Sample Local Delights
Enjoy tastings of local wines, jams, and chocolates available for purchase.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 388 reviews
Type
Tourist Information Center
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
POW Camp Hologram Experience
POW Theatre
A powerful 9-minute holographic show detailing the historic POW camp breakout. Truly captivating and well-told.
Japanese Garden & Friendship Story
Visitor Centre Front
A serene rose garden symbolizing Cowra's deep connection and friendship with Japan. A peaceful spot for reflection.
Local Produce Tasting
Visitor Centre Shop
Sample and purchase a variety of local wines, artisanal jams, and delicious chocolates. A taste of the region!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Cowra's Unique History
Combine History with Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Interesting things to see between here and Dubbo?
Hi all, I'm taking a little holiday to Dubbo in the middle of next month and it'll be my first time driving that far by myself and I'm planning to take lots of breaks over the course of the day I drive up, so I'd like to stop in and see some cool stuff on the way. (Sealed roads…
Don't Miss the Hologram Show
The 9-minute holographic presentation on the POW camp is highly recommended and very moving.
Sample Local Delights
Enjoy tastings of local wines, jams, and chocolates available for purchase.
Interesting or unusual things to see/eat/do in country NSW?
Pretty much as the title implies! Open to any and all suggestions. Museums, great accommodation, roadside nonsense, good food etc. Cheers!
Day Trip
My partner (27F) and I (27M) are fairly new to Canberra and looking for a good day trip this long weekend. Ruled out Bateman’s / Jervis Bay on behalf of the cold weather. Can anyone recommend somewhere interesting that’s out of the city and up to 2 hours drive away?
Friendly & Informative Staff
Staff are eager to share the town's history and connection with Japan.
Clean Facilities
Toilets are spotlessly clean and well-maintained. A great pit stop.
Rural Roadtrips
Recently moved to Canberra and in dire need of ~~for short day~~ trips out to rural country towns, interesting hikes and sceneries away from the city. I visited Boorowra and absolutely loved it! Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!! Muchas gracias. **Edit:** Bloody…
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Hologram Show
The 9-minute holographic presentation on the POW camp is highly recommended and very moving.
Sample Local Delights
Enjoy tastings of local wines, jams, and chocolates available for purchase.
Friendly & Informative Staff
Staff are eager to share the town's history and connection with Japan.
Clean Facilities
Toilets are spotlessly clean and well-maintained. A great pit stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cowra Visitor Information Centre for its engaging holographic presentation on the POW camp and the warm hospitality of its staff. The opportunity to sample and purchase local produce, along with the excellent cafe, adds significant value to the visit. While some found the staff a bit too forward, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the centre's role in sharing Cowra's unique story of peace and friendship. +1
"Visited Cowra Visitor Information Centre after attending the Sakura Festival, and it was such a heartwarming experience.
The staff were kind and genuinely interested in sharing the town’s deep connection with Japan. They explained the history behind the Japanese garden and the story of friendship that grew from the past — it really meant a lot as a Japanese visitor. The place itself is calm, full of local charm, and perfectly represents Cowra’s spirit of peace and understanding.
Thank you for the warm hospitality — I’ll never forget this visit."
Masaki Kawakami
"Lovely environment, lots of different wines and tastings.
Very good hologram of the story behind the POW camp breakout. It was really interesting
Staff are friendly informative and helpful.
There's a lovely rose garden at the front of the visitors centre. Sadly it needs some attention and TLC but still a beautiful display and fragrent cloud was my favorite.🌹"
Pamela Rivers
"Very inviting, professional staff. Great free hologram information video. The cafe next door has excellent coffee and food. Toilets spotlessly clean. A must stop!"
Sharryn Marshall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cowra Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located in Cowra, New South Wales. It's easily accessible by car, often mentioned as a stop for those traveling between major cities like Sydney and Dubbo.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Public transport options directly to the Visitor Centre might be limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle, especially if you're exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Visitor Information Centre itself is generally free. However, the holographic show about the POW camp may have a small fee or be included with a visitor pass.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the Visitor Centre is open during standard business hours. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours, especially for the POW Theatre's hologram show times.
While not always necessary, booking in advance, especially during peak seasons or for group visits, is recommended to secure your spot for the popular POW camp hologram show.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group bookings is usually available upon inquiry at the Visitor Centre.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The compelling 9-minute hologram show vividly recounts the history of the Cowra POW camp and the significant breakout event, offering a deeply moving narrative.
You can find a delightful selection of local wines, artisanal jams, chocolates, and other regional specialties. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs.
The Japanese Garden, located at the front of the Visitor Centre, is generally accessible, offering a peaceful space for all visitors to enjoy.
The centre offers clean restrooms, information services, and a gift shop. The adjacent cafe provides food and coffee.
Absolutely! The Visitor Centre staff are knowledgeable and can provide maps, brochures, and recommendations for attractions and activities throughout the Cowra region.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located next to the Visitor Centre that is highly praised for its excellent coffee and delicious food.
The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages, perfect for a break during your visit.
While you can sample local wines and purchase jams and chocolates, the cafe is the primary place for prepared food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the Japanese Garden offers a picturesque setting for photos. The exterior of the centre and displays inside can also be visually interesting.
Photography is typically not permitted during the holographic show to ensure the best experience for all attendees and to protect the presentation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit