Cowra, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Oct 30th, 2006
Cowra is a scenic four hour drive from Sydney and a two hour drive from Canberra. This large country town is famous for its POW history during World War II and its natural attractions.
The Cowra POW breakout is the largest in Australian military history. More than 1000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass suicide attack on their Australian guards on August 5th 1944.
To the Japanese, the disgrace of capture could finally be overcome by dying in armed battle. Visitors are able to access the site of the POW Camp and located at the Visitor's Centre is a nine minute hologram which tells the story of the Breakout and its aftermath.
The POW Theatre is a small tin hut that is a replica of those found at the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp during World War II.
The Japanese POWs who died in the breakout were originally buried in mass graves. The on-going care bestowed upon these sites by the local RSL has impressed Japanese visitors.
It contains 522 graves, including Japanese nationals who died during the attack on Darwin, and Japanese civilians who died in internment camps.
Located in Civic Square, the Australian World Peace Bell is a replica of the one that stands in the forecourt of the United Nations Headquarters in New York as a reminder of the continual need for all nations to work for peace.
The Australian World Peace Bell was awarded to Cowra in 1992 for its long standing contribution to world peace and international understanding.
The Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre was erected on a 5-ha site as a symbol of the historical ties between Cowra and Japan. A traditional tea house sits on an island.
There are wooden footbridges, a wisteria pergola, a bonsho (calling bell), a temple lantern, a lookout over Cowra and the valley, manicured shrubs and lawns and a delicate and symbolic arrangement of rocks.
The overall effect is one of serenity and harmony.
FURTHER INFORMATIONJapanese Gardens Entry $8.50 Adults
$6.50 Concessions
First 100 callers receive 50% off entry!Deals are held for viewers not on AEDT. Valid until 30/4/07. Prices correct at 30/10/06.
Cowra Japanese Gardens - PH:
(02) 6341 2233Cowra Visitor Information Centre - PH:
(02) 6342 4333
