Settlement history

Settlement of the area dates from the 1840s when the township of Cowra was established. Land was used mainly for farming, particularly grazing. Population was minimal until the 1870s and 1880s, aided by the opening of the railway line, improved access and gold mining. The town grew steadily as a service and retail centre. Growth continued during the early 1900s, aided by the construction of the nearby Wyangala Dam. Growth resumed between 1940 and 1945, largely due to the establishment of a Military Training Camp in the area. The most significant development occurred in the post-war years, including a Migrant Camp from 1949 to 1955 on the former Military Training Camp site. The population increased slightly during the 1990s as new dwellings were added to the area, then declined marginally between 2001 and 2011, largely due to few new dwellings being added and a decline in the average number of persons living in each dwelling.

Major features

• Major features of the area include Koorawatha Nature Reserve,
• Koorawatha Falls,
• Cowra Golf Club,
• Cowra Aquatic Centre,
• Cowra Rose Garden,
• Lachlan Valley Railway,
• Cowra Airport,
• Bryant Park,
• Edgell Park,
• River Park,
• Brougham Park,
• Cowra Lions Park,
• Cowra Rugby Club,
• Europa Park,
• Fragar Park,
• Fred Arnold Park,
• Harry Chapman Park,
• Olympic Park,
• Wattamondara Showground,
• West Cowra Recreation Ground,
• several wineries,
• The Lachlan River and two schools.

Included areas