COWRA WINTER WANDERLUST | 10th – 19th July 2026
This July, experience the magic of winter in the heart of the Central West with Winter Wanderlust in Cowra. Across ten days, the town comes alive with diverse experiences; markets, live entertainment, art, culture, workshops and after-dark events- all set against Cowra’s rich history, stunning landscapes and welcoming country charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a midweek adventure, Winter Wanderlust is your invitation to slow down, explore and discover Cowra at its most vibrant.
Saturday 18th July | Cowra & Australian Single Vineyard Wine Show- Public Tasting Event
The signature event of the Winter Wanderlust Festival, the historic Heritage Pavilion comes alive for an unforgettable evening of Australian wine, delicious food, and great music. Wine judges from across Australia spend the week sniffing and tasting their way through over 600 wines; this unique tasting event gives the opportunity to sample the newly awarded wines. Enjoy live music, soak up the laid-back country setting, and if you feel like mixing things up, the team from Bulla Creek Brewing Co. will also be on site pouring their craft beers. It’s the perfect night out for wine lovers, curious tasters and anyone looking to experience a truly special evening in the heart of regional NSW.
Tickets from just $68.00
Friday 17th July | Six-Course Degustation With Kalari Wines @ Oak On Kendal
Enjoy an unforgettable winter evening at Oak on Kendal, featuring a six-course degustation paired with award-winning Kalari Wines. Showcasing seasonal local produce, exceptional wines and warm country hospitality, this exclusive Winter Wanderlust experience is not to be missed. Limited seats available. Book early to secure your place.
SOLD OUT
Saturday 18th July |Exlusive Cooking Class with Award Winning Wines @ Oak On Kendal
Join James at Oak on Kendal for a hands-on cooking experience celebrating seasonal local flavours, award-winning wines and warm country hospitality.
Learn new skills, taste exclusive award winning wines and take home the recipes to recreate the experience at home. Limited to just 8 guests, this exclusive Winter Wanderlust event will book quickly.
12:30pm | $220 per person
Friday 10th July – Sunday 12th July + Wednesday 15th July – Friday 17th July
Winter Light Up @ Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
Experience the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre as it comes alive after dark for a special Winter Light Up experience. Wander through glowing garden as winter nights transform the into a magical evening setting.
With food, warm drinks and a peaceful atmosphere under the stars, this is a unique chance to experience one of the region’s most iconic attractions in a completely different light.
5:30pm | Tickets: $17 – $25 – Family passes just $52.00
Friday 10th July | Windowrie Winedown @ Winter Lights | Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
Taste Local Wine in the Japanese Garden. Join Jason O’Dea for a relaxed afternoon of local wine tasting in the beautiful Japanese Garden, when the sun goes down the illuminations come on. Your ticket includes a delicious cheese pairing to enjoy while you sip, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of night lights in the garden.
4:30pm – 7:30pm | $25.00pp
Friday 10th and Saturday 11th July | Cabaret La Fantaisie
Step into the Winter Wanderlust Opening Night with Cabaret La Fantaisie with the Cowra Cabaret Company, bringing bold, vibrant entertainment to the heart of the Central West.
This unforgettable evening of comedy, music, culture and charm will transform Cowra into a winter cabaret playground, featuring a talented lineup of local vocalists, the lively Cowra District Band and the glamorous Cowra Cabaret Dancers. Expect laughter, sparkle, great food, local drinks and just the right amount of mischief as Winter Wanderlust officially begins in spectacular style.
6:30pm | Tickets from just $60.00
Saturday 11th July | Flickerfest @ Rosnay Estate
Celebrating its 35th year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Oscar® and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Australia and the world, selected from over 3,700 entries; ensuring the presentation of A-list short film programmes recognised amongst the best in the world.
We will be joined by Japanese food truck, Koyama kitchen, with her famous hearty winter Japanese curries. All menus are gluten free. Rosnay organic wine and grape juices will be available (free glass on arrival), and BYO alcohol is not permitted.
6:30pm | Tickets from $25.00
Sunday 12th July | Winter Farm Walk & Taste @ Rosnay Estate
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to walk through one of the regions most popular producers with the makers! Join Sam and Richard for a leisurely walk around the farm on a Sunday afternoon, stopping to taste the produce in each place that it is grown: figs in the fig orchard, olives and olive oil in the olive grove, and wines in the vineyard.
The walk will depart from the cellar Door at 2pm, and will return to the cellar door by 4.30pm, for a fire-side mug of mulled wine at sunset.
2.00pm | $25.00
Sunday 12th July | Taste & Talk @ Bulla Creek Brewing Co.
Join Bulla Creek Brewing Co. for a relaxed private Brew, Taste & Talk experience on the farm with owner and brewer Mike. Set amongst the rural surrounds where the beer is brewed, this behind-the-scenes experience offers the chance to hear the story behind the brewery, learn about the brewing process and discover what goes into crafting small-batch beers in a true country setting. Enjoy guided tastings, great conversation and an authentic paddock-to-pint experience as part of Winter Wanderlust.
Call to Book: 0438169553
Available Everyday Through Winter Wanderlust| Christmas In July @ Montrose House
Experience the magic of Christmas in July at Montrose House, where winter warmth, festive flavours and country hospitality come together for a cozy seasonal celebration. Gather by the fire, indulge in a delicious Christmas-inspired feast and soak up the charm of a beautifully styled winter setting. Expect hearty food, local wines, festive cheer and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for celebrating the cooler season with friends and family as part of Winter Wanderlust.
Only $55.00 | Call to Book: 02634410063
Monday 13th July | Cowra Library Yarn Whispers Demo @ Cowra Visitor Information Centre
Drop into the Cowra Visitor Information Centre to watch the Cowra Library Yarn Whisperers in action as they knit, crochet and create throughout the day. Meet the makers, see traditional skills up close, and enjoy complimentary tastings of local wines and regional products while you browse.
10am – 2pm | No bookings Required
Tuesday 14th July | Winter Wanderlust Trivia Challenge @ Cowra Bowling Club
Get rugged up and gather your team for a Winter Wanderlust-themed Trivia Night hosted by the Lions Clubs of Cowra. Expect a fun evening of trivia, laughs and friendly competition, all while supporting local young people through fundraising for the Duke of Edinburgh Award program and future community opportunities.
6:30pm | $10.00
Wednesday 15th July | The Gallery Table @ The Cowra Regional Art Gallery
As part of Winter Wanderlust, experience an evening of art, wine and local flavours. Explore two thought-provoking exhibitions; Luminous Revolution, examining the emotional power of colour through the work of Central West artists, and Rewritten Ground, reflecting on the relationship between people and the landscapes we shape.
Enjoy local wine tastings and regional product samples as you wander the gallery, meet fellow art lovers, and immerse yourself in a winter evening celebrating creativity, conversation and local makers.
This is an all ages, free of charge event | Bookings not required
Thursday 16th July | The Road to The Central West; Exhibition Launch with Antonio’s Wines @ Little Magpie Gallery
Celebrate the opening of The Road to the Central West at Little Magpie Gallery, an exhibition that captures the landscapes, colours and character of regional life through the eyes of local artists. Join fellow art lovers for an intimate exhibition launch evening featuring wines from Antonio’s Wines.
Set within the welcoming atmosphere of Little Magpie Gallery, this special Winter Wanderlust event invites guests to slow down, connect and experience the creativity and spirit of the Central West through art, wine and storytelling.
Thursday 16th July | Cowra Spinners and Weavers Demo.
Drop into the Cowra Visitor Information Centre and meet the talented members of the Cowra Spinners & Weavers. Watch traditional spinning and weaving techniques come to life, chat with local artisans, and discover the creativity behind these timeless crafts. While you’re there, enjoy complimentary tastings of regional food products and local wines, making it a relaxed and uniquely Cowra experience.
10am – 2pm | No bookings Required
Friday 10th July + Saturday 18th July | Singing Bowls @ Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
Relax and unwind with a guided Singing Bowl Sound Bath at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Let the soothing sounds of multiple singing bowls promote calm, mindfulness and relaxation.
Please note that garden entry is not included with the workshop ticket and can be purchased separately on the day.
10am Friday 10th July + Saturday 18th July
Friday 17th July | Shop and Sip
Make the most of your Friday evening by shopping late and dining out. Wander Cowra’s local shops, discover unique gifts and winter treats, then settle in for dinner or a drink at one of our fantastic pubs or restaurants. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses while enjoying the atmosphere of Winter Wanderlust.
Participating retailers; Crafted By Nature, Little Magpie Gallery, Kous Clothing, Cowra Candy Co., Shoes 4 You.
Shops open until 7pm
Saturday 18th July | Cowra Winter Wanderlust Community Markets
Rug up and wander through the Cowra Community Markets as they transform into a special Winter Market experience for Winter Wanderlust. Discover local makers, fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats and unique finds while soaking up the lively atmosphere and community spirit.
Face Painting, Treasure Hunts, Tornado Potato’s, Snw Cones, and plenty more to ensure a relaxed and family-friendly outing for visitors and locals alike.
Sid Kallas Oval | 9am – 1pm
Saturday 18th July | Glass Painting Workshop @ Crafted By Nature
The perfect creative warm‑up before the Cowra Wine Show, gather your favourite people for a cosy 2‑hour glass‑painting experience where you’ll design and paint your own beautiful wine glasses or tumblers.
Enjoy a sparkling welcome drink before diving into an afternoon of creativity and laughs and as you paint two glasses of your choice . With a delicious winter-inspired grazing platter, all materials supplied and BYO drinks encouraged, this is the perfect excuse to get creative and embrace those cosy Winter Wanderlust vibes.
$66 per person | Ages 12+
Saturday 18th July | Colour Makers Drop-in Workshop @ Cowra Regional Art Gallery
Drop in at any time between 10am and 2pm to explore a range of drawing and painting-based activities that are inspired by the Luminous Revolution exhibition. Join tutor Libby Murray for this hands-on workshop that is part of Winter Wanderlust.
Luminous Revolution is an exhibition revealing the power and nuance of colour within artistic practice. It invites us to explore the emotional spectrum of colour and reflect on our own personal responses to its vibrant diversity.
This is an all ages, free of charge event | Bookings not required
Sunday 19th July | Recovery Brunch @ The Station | Hosted by The Cowra Antique Vehicle Club
After a big weekend of Winter Wanderlust festivities, slow things down with a Recovery Breakfast at the Train Station. Enjoy bacon and egg rolls, great coffee, the famous Romanian Delights crepes, Mamma Bears Coffee, and live music as you relax into a lazy Sunday morning.
8:30am – 12:00pm | Bookings Not Required
Sunday 19th July | Restorative Sound Experience | Crystal Heart Healing at the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
Step away from the pace of everyday life and let the soothing vibrations of singing bowls guide you into deep relaxation. As the harmonious frequencies wash over you, they help quiet the mind, ease tension and create space for rest and renewal. Following the sound bath, continue your experience with herbal tea, crystals, guided journalling and gentle conversation in a peaceful setting.
2:00pm – 4:00pm
