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Bang Bang Hotel - Historic Site

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bang Bang Hotel - Historic Site

Historic Site of a notable 1864 gun battle between bushrangers and the police. On May 20, 1864 Ben Hall, ably assisted by Tom Gordon and Jimmy Dunleavy, attempted to hold up Koorawatha's Bang Bang Hotel (demolished in the 1940s) but found themselves involved in a desperate gun battle with two policemen. Hall and his accomplices were forced to retreat. Ben Hall and Gang visited the Bang Bang hotel and held up all those on the front veranda, instructing them to stay where they were. Unseen by the gang, two constables, Scott and McNamara, were at the stables tending their horses and upon seeing the attempted holdup, drew their pistols. John Gilbert, the notorious bushranger who was part of Hall's gang opened fire and fired three shots at the constables who returned fire, advancing towards the mounted bushrangers as they fired, forcing Mount and Gilbert to retreat. While McNamara kept Mount and Gilbert at bay, Scott took careful aim at Hall as he galloped away – and fired. The bullet struck his hat knocking it from his head. Gilbert and Mount galloped after Hall abandoning the robbery. As you stand at the cairn you can clearly see a range of wooded hills.

Koorawatha NSW

0.7 km away

Koorawatha Falls — Image credit: Over and Above Photography

Natural Attractions

Koorawatha Falls

Located just 40 minutes from Young, visit the Koorawatha Nature Reserve, home to the famous Koorawatha Falls and Weir. The weir was built across the Bang Bang Creek in 1913 to supply water to the railway. The name Koorawatha is a Wiradjuri word meaning 'A place of pine trees'. Continue past the Weir to find the picturesque Koorawatha Falls, located about 7 kilometres from the Olympic Highway. The Falls are only accessible with extreme care in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The best time to visit to experience the Falls at their best would be after rainfall. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the rushing of water as you sit by the water's edge or walk back to the 4 wheel drive area where there are barbeques and picnic tables to take it all in.

Koorawatha NSW

3.7 km away

Clover Leigh Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Clover Leigh Golf Club

The Clover Leigh Golf Club is a 9-hole grass greens course tucked away on 40 hectares in a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by the beautiful Dananbilla Nature Reserve. From inauspicious beginnings in a paddock, the club built up to playing 9 holes with sand greens. In 1999 the club was incorporated and became affiliated with the South West District Golf Association as part of the New South Wales Golf Association. Over time the sand greens were upgraded to grass, so that now all 9 holes have grass greens. The course is open 365 days of the year to all players and the club hosts special competitions and events throughout the year. A regular competition is held every Saturday at 10 am and a Single Stableford on Tuesday at 10 am. Clover Leigh Golf Club is located at Crowther, just half an hour from Young. The club offers a clubhouse with seating for fifty people, wood-fired barbeque and spit, and options for accommodation.

Crowther NSW

8.8 km away

Iandra Castle situated in the Greenethorpe area NSW.A large home of historical significance. — Image credit: iandra

Landmarks and Buildings

Iandra Castle

Iandra offers a remarkable insight into the early days of Australian agriculture. In 1878, George Greene purchased the 32,000-acre property and soon emerged as a visionary farming pioneer. He introduced and championed the concept of share farming in Australia, leaving a lasting legacy on both the agricultural landscape and the local community. The first homestead, Mt Oriel, was constructed in 1880 using bricks fired on-site. In 1908, Greene began an ambitious transformation of the property, replacing the original home with a groundbreaking two-storey reinforced concrete mansion — one of the first of its kind successfully built in Australia. This grand structure, complete with stables, still stands today as a testament to early innovation in building techniques. The mansion boasts 53 rooms and was ahead of its time, featuring flushing toilets, running hot water, and an internal telephone system — rare luxuries in rural Australia at the time.

Greenethorpe NSW

19 km away

Iandra Castle Open Day

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Iandra Castle Open Day

If you're travelling through the Central West of NSW—past grazing sheep and sweeping paddocks of wheat and canola—you might be surprised to discover a castle rising from the landscape. Located on the road between Greenethorpe and Young, Mount Oriel homestead (also known as Iandra Castle) is a remarkable and unique piece of Australian heritage. The existing homestead, completed in 1911, incorporates the original single-storey brick home of George Henry Greene—local landowner, grazier, and politician, after whom the nearby town of Greenethorpe is named. Join them for a special Open Day and experience this historic property for yourself. Bring the family and explore the castle and its surrounding grounds at your own pace. Wander through the gardens, discover the stables, and enjoy a self-guided tour of the homestead. A coffee van will be onsite, and you're very welcome to pack a picnic to relax and enjoy on the lawns. Onsite parking is available. Please enter through the main gate, where staff will guide you to the designated parking area. Please Note: There are no EFTPOS facilities available, and mobile/internet reception can be patchy, so please plan accordingly. Don't miss this rare opportunity to step inside one of regional NSW's most distinctive historic homes.

Greenethorpe NSW

19 km away

Glen Donald Estate

Agritourism

Glen Donald Estate

Boasting produce that is ethically farmed and treated with the utmost care, 'Producers of Excellence' Glen Donald Estate features a fantastic range of lovingly made oil, vinegar and honey. The Glen Donald Olive Grove is located in the historic village of Bumbaldry in the Central West farming region of NSW. The unique ecosystem formed at the base of the Yambira Mountain Range creates the perfect environment for the olives to thrive. Continuing to attract nation wide attention, Glen Donald Estate host open days, themed lunches and seasonal pop-ups for visitors to see firsthand how their produce starts from paddock to plate.

Bumbaldry NSW

20 km away

Touts Lookout

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Touts Lookout

Touts Lookout offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in the Hilltops Region, overlooking the picturesque Murringo Gap and surrounding countryside. Located just a five-minute drive from the village of Monteagle via a gradual unsealed road, the lookout provides a peaceful place to pause, take in the scenery and appreciate the wide-open landscapes that define the region. It's a popular spot for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset and early spring's canola where they transform the valley below. For those travelling by caravan or motorhome, Touts Lookout is also a free campsite best suited to self-contained travellers. The quiet rural setting makes it an ideal place to spend the night and wake to the sight of the sun rising over the Murringo Gap. After dark, the lookout takes on a different kind of beauty. With minimal light pollution and expansive views towards the east, north-east and south-east, it is a fantastic location for stargazing beneath the region's dark country skies. Open anytime, year-round, Touts Lookout is a rewarding stop for sightseers, photographers, campers and anyone seeking a moment of country tranquillity.

Monteagle NSW

24 km away

Cowra Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Cowra Golf Club

Often described as 'the Best Course West of the Blue Mountains', Cowra Golf Club offers a picturesque yet challenging 18-hole course just minutes from the centre of town. The course features fully irrigated kikuyu fairways and beautifully maintained bent greens, stretching 5,890 metres from the blue markers. Golfers can expect a particularly memorable finish, with the final six holes providing a challenge that has undone many a great round. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy the club. Settle in for a coffee or a cold drink in the air-conditioned clubhouse, enjoy a generous meal from the bistro, or take in the sweeping views across the course from the indoor and outdoor seating areas. Families are well catered for, with children welcome and a dedicated kids' room and playground providing plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Cowra Golf Club is also a popular choice for functions and celebrations. Its spacious function room overlooks the golf course and across Cowra, creating an impressive backdrop for weddings, birthdays, group events and special occasions. With capacity for up to 120 guests for a sit-down meal, the venue can cater for gatherings both large and small.

Cowra NSW

25 km away

Lachlan Valley Heritage Railway Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lachlan Valley Heritage Railway Centre

Welcome to the Lachlan Valley Heritage Railway Centre. Wander through an extraordinary collection of historic engines, carriages and wagons. Explore the exhibits and enter a number of the carriages on display. The sleeping cars, with their beautifully preserved cedar panelling and original fixtures and fittings, evoke memories of a past era of train travel. See the restored Cowra roundhouse, historic buildings, gardens, locomotives and more. Lachlan Valley Railway is a not-for-profit, railway preservation society based in the NSW Central Western town of Cowra. They are a passionate and dedicated society devoted to the preservation and operation of various examples of New South Wales Government Railway trains, ranging from operational steam and diesel locomotives, to a fleet of heritage passenger railway carriages, and a diesel ‘Tin Hare’ CPH railmotors. The Heritage Centre is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

Cowra NSW

25 km away

Cowra POW Hologram

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cowra POW Hologram Theatre

Located at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, this 9 minute presentation brings the tragic events of The Cowra Breakout to life through the eyes of Claire, a young Cowra local. The famous POW Hologram Theatre is the best place to start your historical journey through the Cowra region. The Theatre is a small tin hut that is a replica of the Nissen huts found at the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp during World War II. The Hologram is a young woman who tells the story from a local perspective while interacting with original artefacts from the Camp. The presentation is aimed at raising awareness of the historical significance of Cowra in modern military history and in encouraging visitation to other local attractions and locations of historical importance. The Cowra POW Hologram is a free theatre and continues to be as popular as ever with the 60,000 plus visitors the friendly team at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre welcome each year.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Heritage Walk edit1

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cowra Heritage Walk

Stroll through Cowra's historic past. A brochure from the Cowra Visitors Centre sets out a heritage walk around Cowra that takes a leisurely hour, taking in sights like the old federation-style courthouse, the gothic stone St Raphael's church and Cowra Public School, built in 1882. See the town's first hotel, the old stone flour mill (1860) and Cowra's oldest home Ilfracombe (1879). Federation, Colonial and Victorian commercial buildings can all be seen in this gentle stroll around the town's business centre. Download a copy of the Heritage Walk Brochure from the Visit Cowra website.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Farleigh 'Beach' Reserve edit1

Natural Attractions

Farleigh Beach Reserve

Farleigh Reserve is a peaceful picnic area on the bank of the Lachlan River (Galari Bila), within 10 kilometers of the centre of Cowra. There is a modern long-drop toilet, picnic tables and bins. Plenty of shade is provided by large eucalypt trees and there is also sunny spots for those who have solar panels. The park area is high above the Lachlan River, with a pathway leading down to the water, where swimming, fishing and canoeing can be enjoyed. Camping overnight is prohibited, however, day-use is permitted.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Rose Garden

Parks and Gardens

Cowra Rose Garden

The Cowra Rose Garden contains approximately 880 bushes of 130 varieties, including a bed of the beautiful Cowra Rose. The garden was recommended by Ben Swane of Swane's Nursery in 1987. He proposed landscaping the then-new Visitor Information Centre as a Rose Garden tourist attraction for Cowra and the district. The Cowra Rose Garden is at its best between late October and May but also features beautiful annuals during the winter months. The roses are pruned around the second or third week of July each year. The Cowra Visitor Information Centre has brochures on the layout of the garden and a pamphlet on rose care. The Cowra Rose is located in the north west corner of the garden. It is the result of an initiative by Cowra Shire Council, the Calleen Trust and Ben Swane in 1998 to celebrate Cowra's Sesquicentenary – marking the 150th anniversary of the official gazetting of the town of Cowra.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Soldiers Memorial Avenue edit1

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cowra Soldiers Memorial Avenue

The avenue of trees located along the Boorowa and Grenfell Roads are associated with great historical significance and represent an important era in Australian wartime history. The Boorowa Road and Grenfell Road were selected by the Australian National Women's League of Cowra during 1917 as an ideal location to plant 465 trees in remembrance of all the Australian soldiers from the Cowra district who served their country during the first World War. The trees were planted on Arbour Day 1917 and all trees used in the original planting were donated by the Sydney Botanical Gardens. The Avenue was officially opened in 1918 with the deputy premier of NSW and senior military officials present on the day. The Boorowa Road section of the Avenue was located on the road that linked Cowra with Canberra, the site of the National War Memorial. Each soldier was allocated a tree, with a register detailing the event, unfortunatly the trees and the soldiers' details were not corresponded in the field, which has made it difficult to match the trees up with existing records. Over the years, Memorial Avenue has been restored with missing trees to represent the updated number of soldiers listed on the Honour Roll.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Bridge Pylons

Landmarks and Buildings

Cowra Bridge Pylons

Hidden beneath the Lachlan River Bridge, the Cowra Bridge Pylons are one of the region's most striking public art installations. Created by respected local Wiradjuri artist Kym Freeman, the large-scale murals tell the story of the Wiradjuri people, the Traditional Custodians of the Cowra region, and celebrate their enduring connection to Country. The vibrant artworks weave together Indigenous culture with elements of Cowra's shared history, transforming what was once a heavily vandalised space into a place of reflection, storytelling and community pride. Their impressive scale and intricate detail make the Bridge Pylons a unique cultural experience and a favourite stop for photographers. The project was developed with strong community involvement, with local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal school students contributing handprints, artwork and ideas to the murals, creating a lasting symbol of reconciliation and collaboration. Located just a short walk from the Cowra Visitor Information Centre along the Lachlan River, the Cowra Bridge Pylons are free to visit and are an important stop for anyone wanting to discover the stories, culture and creativity that shape the region.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Bila Galari Lachlan River Precinct

Natural Attractions

Galari Bila/Lachlan River Precinct

The Galari Bila/Lachlan River Precinct is a vast grassy area, perfect for enjoying a day out in nature. Begin your exploring by taking the Erambie Shared Path to under the Cowra Bridge where you will find the impressive Indigenous Art Murals on the Bridge Pylons. Visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll along the path set next to the banks of the River. Picnic tables and grassed areas provide the ideal space to relax, enjoy a picnic or throw a line in for a spot of fishing. A leash-free area is nearby offering a place for the furry members of the family to run about and enjoy the sunshine.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Portable steam engine Cowra — Image credit: Ian Cameron

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre

Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre is the Museum location of the operational Lachlan Valley Railway Society Co-operative Ltd. It covers an area of approximately two hectares, encompassing the 1923 Cowra Locomotive Depot and Roundhouse. Several large sheds have been constructed over the last forty years to protect and display the Society's non-operational rolling stock. This includes three steam locomotives, several diesel locomotives, timber and aluminium rail cars and around fifty timber and steel carriages and goods wagons. Entry fees apply, and there is a guide on site to answer questions. A self-guided brochure with a map is freely available and visitors are invited to wander the site as they wish. The site also includes a war memorial dedicated to railway soldiers from the area, set in gardens once tendered by the railway men themselves.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

little magie gallery edit

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Little Magpie Gallery

Welcome to Little Magpie Gallery where creativity takes flight! Nestled in the heart of Cowra, the gallery is a celebration of art from Central West and beyond, a community hub and vibrant expression. At Little Magpie Gallery, you'll find a carefully curated selection of artworks from emerging and established local artists. From contemporary pieces that challenge the norm to timeless classics that soothe the soul, their diverse collection promises something for everyone. They host regular exhibitions, workshops, and events to keep the creative energy buzzing. They're committed to supporting local artists and making art accessible to all. By promoting the work of their talented creators, they aim to enrich the community and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts. When you visit Little Magpie Gallery, you're not just viewing art – you're experiencing the heart and soul of the Central West. Come and explore the gallery and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Little Magpie. Whether you're looking to add to your collection or simply enjoy a visual feast, they can't wait to welcome you.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Military and Migrant Camps edit1

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cowra Military and Migrant Camps

Between 1940 and the end of the war, the Cowra Military Camp trained some 80,000 military personnel. After World War Two, the camp became home to between 17,000 and 19,000 new Australians in the form of the Cowra Migrant Camp. Whilst the campsite itself, on the eastern side of town, is now private land, a memorial has been erected in honour of the migrant families of Cowra in Europa Park, east of Cowra on the Sydney Road. There is also a memorial on Military Parade to mark the location of the Military Camp.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Laneway Mural

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cowra Laneway Mural

As you wander down the Main Street of Cowra, cast your eye between the old Squire Pepper building and the Lachlan Hotel and you'll find not just any ordinary alleyway—it is a vibrant and significant part of the Cowra Open Space Legacy Public Art Mural Project. This exceptional artwork was brought together by talented artists The Zookeeper, Drapl, and Brightsiders, who diligently collaborated to breathe life into the mural's foundations. Each stroke of paint and every intricate detail on the mural holds significance, as they are inspired by the heartfelt stories shared by the local community. This incredible artwork serves as a physical representation of the numerous themes and profound connections that unite the people of Cowra, allowing visitors to experience a glimpse of the rich heritage and strong bonds that exist within this remarkable community. See if you can spot some of the iconic images connected to Cowra's history. Members of the Cowra Community were also invited to participate in painting sections of the laneway alongside the artists. The extraordinary murals that grace the walls of this lane were made possible through the generous funding provided by the NSW Government's Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

The Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell

Made from melted down coins donated by 106 member countries of the United Nations, Australia’s World Peace Bell is a testament to Cowra’s long-standing contribution to world peace and international understanding. Recognised by the World Peace Bell Association in 1992, the bell is proudly housed in Cowra’s Civic Square where visitors can read the interpretive signage, listen to the audio presentation and even ring the bell itself. A ceremony is held annual on World Peace Day – 3rd Tuesday in September – to mark the opening of the Disarmament at the United Nations. Known colloquially as the Peace Bell, Cowra was awarded the Bell in 1992 in recognition of its unique and long-standing contribution to world peace and international understanding. This is an honour usually reserved for capital cities. At the site of the Peace Bell, you can listen to the informative audio stream and learn the story of the Bell and its significance to our community.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Civic Centre

Entertainment Venues

Cowra Civic Centre

Cowra Civic Centre is your local premium entertainment venue, offering quality cinema screenings, live performances and events. They offer memorable experiences in an intimate and comfortable setting. From the ambience to customer service, they aim to maintain a premium standard that reflects their dedication to excellence. Hosting live performances, cinema, events, celebrations and more, the Cowra Civic Centre offers a diverse program reflecting the region's spirit. The venue has a 335‑seat main auditorium and 42-50 (seated patrons) theatrette in luxurious full-leather cinema-style seating and suits both large shows and intimate events.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Regional Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cowra Regional Art Gallery

The Cowra Regional Art Gallery sits at the heart of Cowra's cultural precinct alongside the Cowra Library, World Peace Bell and Cowra Civic Centre. Since opening in 2000, it has been a key part of the region's cultural life, celebrating visual arts and community engagement. The Gallery delivers a vibrant program of changing exhibitions, featuring contemporary art, touring shows, and socially and historically themed works. A strong calendar of events includes artist talks, exhibition openings, workshops, and accessible learning opportunities for all ages. Its collection includes works by leading and emerging Australian artists, highlighted by the Calleen Collection—established by Patricia Fagan—and key works by photographer Olive Cotton. The Gallery also holds material connected to the Cowra POW Camp. Visitors can browse the Gallery Shop for art books, cards, and unique handmade gifts by Australian artists. Operated by the Cowra Shire Council, the Gallery is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

Cowra Civic Square Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Cowra Civic Square Mural

These vibrant large-scale murals were created by some of Australia's leading contemporary street artists, Joel Fergie (The Zookeeper), Travis Vinson (DRAPL), and Steven Falco and Jordan Bruce (Brightsiders). Internationally recognised for their bold public artworks, the artists have transformed walls across Australia and around the world, bringing their signature style to the heart of Cowra through the NSW Government's Public Spaces Legacy Program. Inspired by the energy, movement and emotion of live performance, the artwork sweeps across the Cowra Civic Centre, inviting visitors to engage with the piece from multiple perspectives. As the artists describe it "This artwork is inspired by the energy and all the emotions involved with performance art." Adding a distinctly local touch, dancers from the Cowra Dance Factory modelled and performed for the artists during the creative process, reflecting the vibrant performances and community events regularly hosted at the Cowra Civic Centre.

Cowra NSW

26 km away

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