Lots to do in and around Canowindra
Canowindra is the hub of the Central West in New South Wales and there is so much to do in and around town. Canowindra is a place that you can return to again and again as there is always something new and exciting just around the corner!
Check out this carefully curated list of attractions in and around Canowindra;
Gaskill Street, Canowindra’s Historic Main Street:
Visit Canowindra’s Historic Main Street, right around the corner from Eddy’s of Canowindra Group Accommodation.
Canowindra is famous for several attractions including its heritage listed main street, a vast array of fish fossils, the International Balloon Challenge, and for offering a unique shopping experience. Much of this can be found and enjoyed right on Gaskill Street, read on to learn more…
Gaskill Street is home to many small businesses and stores, immerse yourself in the old world charm of Gaskill Street’s heritage listed buildings while enjoying a unique shopping experience.
Visit the Age of Fishes Museum and check out the extensive history of fish fossils, that Canowindra is known for. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat at one of the many cafes. Visit the Services Club or Royal Hotel Canowindra of an evening for a beer or wine with dinner.
During the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge in April there is a fiery street parade showcasing the businesses, balloon baskets, and other attractions from in and around Canowindra.
Canowindra International Balloon Challenge
One of the largest attractions in Canowindra is the ever growing Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. Join us in April for a week unlike any other where hot air balloons take to the skies in a vibrant show of colour that can’t be missed.
Take some time to enjoy the immersive shopping experience and catch a glimpse of the storefront windows that shop owners decorate for the occasion.
From the website:
‘It [Canowindra] has a long history of hot air ballooning dating back to the first modern hot air balloon flight in Australia in 1966. Attracting balloon pilots to Canowindra’s wide-open spaces, rolling hills and gentle winds Canowindra became known as the “Balloon Capital of Australia”. Every April Australia’s largest hot air balloon festival and the Canowindra community welcomes over 5000 visitors to the region, generating critical economic benefits to Canowindra and surrounds. Come for the day or stay a while and enjoy all this area has to offer.’
Book your accommodation at Eddy’s well beforehand as places fill up fast!
Blind Freddy’s Bushranger Tours!
Blind Freddy’s Bushranger Tours take you to the actual locations in Central West NSW where Ben Hall, Frank Gardiner and Johnny Gilbert roamed during the gold rush era of the 1860s.
From Freddy’s:
The 1860s in Central West NSW were a time of unprecedented turmoil. Frank Gardiner and his acolytes held the roads, harried the wealthy, and confounded the New Police for five years. Johnny Gilbert committed over 600 robberies in his career before he was shot through the heart at Binalong. Ben Hall became a folk hero whilst his nemesis, Sir Frederick Pottinger, lurched from half-triumph to full-tilt disaster. Blind Freddy’s Bushranger Tours can take you to where this all took place, the Wild Central West of New South Wales: hear the stories, learn the facts, in the actual locations.
Your expert guide, Craig Lawler, will paint a vivid picture of the times and characters involved and explain where, and why, it all happened. Craig has spent the past ten years up to his neck in bushranger history – investigating the locations, reading the books and scouring the Mitchell Library, State Archives and the National Library’s Trove newspaper archive. It has furnished him with a deep knowledge of the era and the extraordinary personalities that populated it.
History is a pack of lies as any fool can tell BUT, if you can see the story from all sides, filter the romantic myths and, take it back to the actual locations, you can get close to the truth. Join us on our regular sorties back to those bushranging days. We offer a range of set tours but, we want to satisfy all your bushranger needs, we can tailor a tour just for you – Give us a call on (02) 63448166 and we’ll sort something out,
Re-visit the 1860s, Today!!!’
Find Blind Freddy’s at 52 Gaskill Street Canowindra, NSW, Australia 2804.
Phone: +61 2 6344
Email: 8166craiglawler@hotmail.com
Visit Canowindra’s very own award winning Age of Fishes Museum and information Centre. Learn about the fossils found in Canowindra that are over 300 million years old!
From the Age of Fishes Website:
‘Welcome to the Age of Fishes Museum!
Imagine a world ruled by fish! Long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, the mighty rivers of the Central West teemed with bizarre ancient fishes – armoured fishes, fishes with lungs, and some huge predators with jaws like crocodiles. Thousands of their fossils were found at Canowindra and give us a unique glimpse into life during the Devonian Period – the ‘Age of Fishes’.
A chance discovery in 1955 revealed an extensive fossil bed dating from the Devonian Period. This 360-370 million year old fossil deposit contains the remains of thousands of freshwater fish. Many were new to science. The best of the fossils so far recovered are now on public display at Canowindra, at the Age of Fishes Museum.’
Visit the Age of Fishes Museum at:
Corner of Gaskill and Ferguson St, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804.
Canowindra Art Trail
Canowindra is home to a number of remarkable art galleries and has a thriving art community with constant exhibitions and workshops all around town.
Eddy’s of Canowindra Group Accommodations In Association With Riverbank Gallery
Stay at Eddy’s of Canowindra Group Accommodations which at times hosts exhibitions, workshops, and People’s Choice Awards on the premises from local and established artists.
Rosnay Organic Farm & Vineyard
Visit Rosnay for more than just wine. From time to time Rosnay hosts exhibitions by local artists, enjoy a sip of wine and fine art at Rosnay Organic Farm and Vineyard!
The Melissa Barber Galleries
Visit The Melissa Barber Galleries on Gaskill Street, enjoy one of the best coffees and cakes in town and check out the amazing works of Melissa Barber while you sit and relax in her café located on Gaskill Street.
Gallery 55
Visit Gallery 55 at 55 Gaskill Street. Gallery 55 is a non-for profit home to artists of all levels and workshops, the gallery offers prints, paintings, and other curiosities for sale.
Canowindra Arts Gallery
Canowindra Arts Gallery is located on Gaskill street and is home to a range of arts and cultural events in the Central West gathered from artists, event producers, great local venues and groups across the region.
The Cartoon Cellar
The Cartoon Cellar is located at Finn’s Store in the cellar space, Darren Green creates a wide range of jovial caricatures and famous faces. Make sure to stop by and say G’Day to Darren and check out his incredibly detailed work.
David Isbester Gallery
David Isbester Gallery is located on Canowindra’s historic main street, David Isbester owns the gallery space and shares his work with the public.
Clubs and Pubs in Canowindra
Canowindra is home to 3 exceptional clubs including the Canowindra Bowling Club, Canowindra Golf Club, and Canowindra Services Club. There are also a range of other hotels and pubs where you can grab a bite or sit and relax.
Each club offers outstanding food and exciting events year round.
Canowindra Golf Club
Located on Rodd St, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804
Contact: +61 2 6344 1342Mobile
Email: canowindra.golfclub@bigpond.com
Canowindra Bowling Club
Located 64 Ryall St, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804
Contact: +61 2 6344 1647
Canowindra Services Club
Located 93 Gaskill Street, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, New South Wales.
Contact: +61 2 6344 1397
Email: info@canowindraservices.com.au
The Royal Hotel Canowindra
Located at 75 Gaskill Street, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, New South Wales
Phone: +61 2 6344 1201
Email: royalhotelcanowindra@gmail.com
The Canowindra Hotel
Located at 110 Gaskill Street, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, New South Wales
Phone: +61 2 6344 1407
Other Places to Visit in Canowindra
Located in Canowindra are a few other hidden gems worth noting and well worth visiting. Take a trip to the Canowindra Trading Post to find the perfect gift and stay for a sandwich and coffee. Take a walk to Delice Coffee right across the road from Eddy’s of Canowindra, grab a coffee and check out the amazing local produce and other delicacies. Finally, if you’re in town don’t forget to visit the Canowindra Services Club in time for the Canowindra New Vogue & Social Dance Group where everyone is welcome!
Canowindra Trading Post
Located 46-50 Ferguson Street, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804
Phone: +61 2 6344 1529
Email: justask@canowindratradingpost.com.au
Delice Coffee
Located 18 Tilga St, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804
Phone: +61 488 845 540
Email: cafe@delicecoffee.com.au
Join us in Canowindra in September for a massive 3 day event that is the Canowindra Show!
Check out the local arts and crafts in the pavilion, see the horses and watch the show jumping, and check out the local produce and markets stalls, it is an event not to be missed!
Located Rodd St, Canowindra, NSW, Australia, 2804
Email: canowindrashow@hotmail.com
Website: https://www.canowindrashow.com.au/
Wine Tasting and Tours around Canowindra!
Take a tour of the wineries around Canowindra and enjoy the rich and varied wines that we have to offer.
Rosnay Organic Farm and Vineyard
An overview of Rosnay Organic Farm and Vineyard:
‘They are Canowindra’s first organic vineyard and farm, just eight kilometres from town.
The Stathams began their organic farming journey 20 years ago and have been recognised as one of the organic pioneers in NSW.
The farm’s old wool shed has been extended to serve as a tasting and events space, with fantastic views up the Belubula Valley towards Canowindra and Orange.
Its also had a new strawbale winery recently added to allow more wines to be grown, vinified and bottled on site.
Keep an eye out for olives and figs on your way in – you can pick your own when they are in season – and taste them as well. They are all packed or processed right here on the farm.
Stay a little longer too if you like – the original 1910 farm house has been set up as an independent, self-catered farm stay accommodation for up to six persons.
All visits are by appointment – grab the phone and give them a quick call before you visit, in case they are out in the field.’
Contact: (02) 6344 3215
Email: info@rosnay.com.au
Antonio’s Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Visit Antonio’s Vineyard Saturday and Sunday for a wine tasting and tour, bookings essential!
“Tours start at 2 pm. Stroll through our organic vineyard with award-winning winemaker Antonio D’Onise.
Enjoy the wines while you are taken on a guided tour of our picturesque organic vineyard while learning about the natural winemaking processes that capture the essence of the land in each glass.”
From Antonio’s website:
‘WINE IS THE FOUNDATION OF CULTURE.
Introducing Antonio~
Growing up in a vineyard on the River Murray to Italian migrant parents instilled a deep passion for produce and for that which can be crafted.
My early winemaking passion was borne working beside my father in the Roccastel vineyard. Hard work and sweat allowed me to earn my Bachelor of Oenology at University of Adelaide with Distinction. Keen to learn from the renowned winemakers from landmark international wine regions I travelled to complete vintages in Chablis, Moselle Valley, Tuscany, Chianti and Tokaji.’
Contact: 0417 893 278
Email: antonioswine12@gmail.com
Visit Wallington Wines just outside of Canowindra and book a wine tasting and grazing platter!
From Wallington Wines:
‘In 1990 Margaret & Anthony moved from Sydney to Canowindra with their two young daughters Isabella and Nadja. Anthony worked as a GP in Cowra and Margaret took to running the 1000 acre property and raising their growing family. They loved the change of lifestyle in the country and over the following 10 years Anthony and Margaret embarked on their dream of growing grapes and creating boutique wine brand.
In 2003 Anthony tragically passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Leaving Margaret to look after the property and four teenage daughters herself. Margaret has worked tirelessly to make Wallington Wines what it is today, with her passion for the land and long term vision for the business. In 2017 Nadja and her husband Steve joined the Wallington Wine team and together the family continues to run the property, vineyard and winery, supporting one another as a family run, owned and operated a business.’
Book via email or over the phone:
Email: info@wallingtonwines.com.au
Phone: (02) 6344 7153
Pioneer Brewing Co. is a name famous around Australia, they are an independent farm-based brewery in Central West NSW. Conveniently located only 33kms from Orange!
Beer tastings and brewery tours on Saturdays. Bookings essential!
From Their website:
‘Having travelled and worked in over 70 countries across the globe, initially as a backpacker and then as a skilled engineer, Pete was fortunate to have the opportunity to taste, visit and be exposed to the art and science of beer brewing.
We’re known for taking no short cuts, so we can bring the best of those styles and characteristics from around the world into our range and applying our own stamp and signature style.
As the only brewery on Australia’s eastern seaboard mainland to sow, grow and harvest our malting quality barley, rye and wheat from the volcanic soils of our family farm, and once malted, it doesn’t leave our grip again until it’s placed firmly in yours., We can loudly and proudly say we are Pioneers in the way we manage placing the grain seed in the ground to the brew which ends up in your hand.
Personally, we’re a young family who love the land and a regional lifestyle, and believe kids should grow up with dirt between their toes. We’re an 100% independently owned, family business passionate about our local community, it sure does take a village to raise a brewery- supporting local business is supporting local families.
We’re an independent microbrewery with plenty of room to grow and the ability to keep up with demand, without losing sight or compromising on the very values our foundations are built on.’
Stop By The Pioneer Brewing Co. located at:
Wyoming, 339 S Bowan Park Rd, Bowan Park NSW 2864.
Phone:
1300 811 030
Email: hello@pioneerbrewing.com.au
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
Visit Cowra, only a short, 20 minute drive from Canowindra and take a stroll through Cowra’s Japanese Garden.
One of the highlights of Cowra’s Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre are the Cherry Blossom trees adorning the garden.
The Japanese Garden in Cowra holds great historic significance, read on to find out more…
From the website;
‘The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is a registered cultural organisation, and is classified by the National Trust as ‘A place of Significant Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance.’
It is also very important that this historic Garden and Cultural Centre is preserved for present and future generations.
The Board of Directors operates in an honorary capacity.
There are numerous Japanese Gardens throughout the world, however this Garden is more than just a Garden, it is a powerful symbol of good will, encouraging reconciliation and peace.
The Cowra Japanese Garden covers 5 hectares – the largest in the southern hemisphere! It was built here because of Cowra’s special significance to the Japanese. The unique relationship of Cowra and Japan originated on a cold night in August 1944, when more than a thousand Japanese prisoners of war broke out of the prison camp.
The 231 Japanese soldiers who died in the escape were buried nearby and local members of the Returned Serviceman’s League tended their graves. As mutual respect grew over the years between Japan and the citizens of Cowra, the idea of a garden arose which would be a symbolic representation of the landscape of Japan.
Many Japanese believe that the Buddha willed the Cowra citizens to create this garden so that the spirits of the Japanese soldiers could rest in peace.’
Visit the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre here:
Ken Nakajima Place Cowra, NSW, Australia 2794
Parkes is famous for more than just its busting Elvis Festival, take a walk in Parkes and visit the Parkes Dish located at the Observatory.
From the CSIRO website:
‘Parkes Observatory, just outside the central-west NSW town of Parkes, hosts Murriyang, the 64-metre Parkes radio telescope, one of the telescopes comprising CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility.
An icon of Australian science, Murriyang has been in operation since 1961 and continues to be at the forefront of astronomical discovery thanks to regular upgrades.
Astronomers from across Australia and around the world utilise Murriyang to undertake world-class astronomical science.
Also known as ’the Dish’, the telescope operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.’
Visit Parkes every year on the second week of January for the multi-award winning Parkes Elvis Festival!
Join Parkes as the streets come alive with Elvis fans and look-a-likes. The Parkes Elvis Festival is recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the festival reportedly attracts over 25,000 fans and has a global reach of a whopping 479 million.
From the website:
‘Elvis said “You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may lead”. It was the dream of Anne and Bob Steel to create a celebration of the music and life of Elvis Presley in Parkes. They followed that dream; many followed with them. 30 years later, Parkes Elvis Festival is the biggest celebration of Elvis outside of Memphis.’
Visit Cowra in September and book your place in the Cowra Canola Tour that takes you on a vibrant 2 hour tour around the blooming Canola fields.
From the Visit Cowra Facebook Page:
‘Our gorgeous Canola fields are blooming and we are so excited to see visitors returning to take in these spectacular views.
Cowra Tourism have teamed up local operator Ideal tours to bring you a 2 hour guided tour of the canola fields.
Your tour includes:
A professionally guided tour departing from Cowra Visitor Centre Visits to canola ‘hot spots’ for unique photo opportunities, A Cowra Historical Town Tour Finish with a Wine & Product Tasting at the Cowra Visitor Centre
Tours will run Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am to 11:30am throughout September and early October (subject to crop availability).
Tours available throughout the week for 4 or more people.
We cannot wait to welcome you to our beautiful region!’
Team Penning & Pony Club
If you have a passion for horses, the Central West Team Penning and the Canowindra Pony Club are well worth investigating.
Central West Team Penning
From the Team Penning Website:
‘Central West Team Penning was established in 2011 with the first event being held in Canowindra on the 12th and 13th February. We are an affiliate of Team Penning Australia and we follow their rules at our events.
Through helping other clubs in their commencement and running our own events, our aim is to broaden the sport throughout NSW and give more people the opportunity to come and have a go.’
Canowindra Pony Club
The Canowindra Pony Club is a friendly, welcoming & inclusive pony club in the heart of Central West, N.S.W.
The Canowindra Pony Club is dedicated to offering individuals advice on the care of horses and everything else horse and pony related, contact the Canowindra Pony club for information on events!