This morning I decided to head south to explore Cowra – approx. 1.25 hours drive from Parkes.
Cowra is known for a few things – but the Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre is probably tops. Would look amazing in the spring summer too I’m sure!
There are several bear trees but also a fair bit of colour!
The reason behind the Japanese Gardens was actually as a symbol of goodwill, reconciliation and peace between Australia and Japan. This was specifically in relation to a breakout that occurred in early August 1944 when Japanese prisoners of war- housed in Camp 12- just a few kilometres away- broke out of the POW Camp.
The Japanese military men decided they would rather die in battle- or trying to get out of prison- than face the humiliation of being captured.
1,000 Japanese prisoners escaped -231 lost their lives that night and about 100 were injured.
The outdoors POW camp has good information boards and some remaining foundations of buildings. The tourist info centre in town also has a good summary hologram show about the breakout.
