BILLIMARI

The word Billimari means ‘plenty of water’ in the local Wiradjuri language.

Billimari is one of the Shire’s smaller village settlements – located 25km north of Cowra and 18km south of Canowindra. Nestled amongst some of the most productive farming land the region has to offer, the village was formed in the early 1900’s off the back of the Cowra-Canowindra rail link. Whilst the closure of the railway changed the dynamic of the village (triggering a decline in commercial and civic activity), the Silos remain a distinctive feature of the urban landscape and serve as a reminder of the important role Billimari played in Cowra’s agricultural and rail history. Today, Billimari is a smaller village supporting only a few dwellings, but the community spreads beyond the village boundaries and into the surrounding farming district.

CANOWINDRA

A stroll through the historic township of Canowindra (pronounced Ca-noun-dra) is like stepping in to a period movie dotted with the wonders of modern living. Beautifully restored guesthouses, country pubs and quaint shops filled with old wares are nestled alongside art galleries, cafes with great coffee and designer clothes and homewares shops. Often referred to as the Ballooning Capital of Australia, Canowindra’s climate and topography make it absolutely perfect for ballooning. Every year tens of thousands of visitors flock to the town to witness the visual spectacle that is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. Canowindra became world famous in 1955 when a 360-million-year-old fish fossil was discovered by a road worker. You can see this marvelous fossil at the Age of Fishes Museum.

It’s a destination worth driving to: Canowindra is just 33 kilometres north of Cowra (about a 20 minute drive).

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DARBY’S FALLS

You won’t find the water variety of falls here – local legend tells it that this is the site where a man named Darby fell off his horse!

Darbys Falls is one of the Shire’s smaller village settlements – located 23km south-east of Cowra. The village straddles the Darbys Falls Road which carves a path through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills littered with granite boulders and outcrops, eventually leading to the Lachlan River. Darbys Falls has a broad ranging demographic and is a tight-knit community that is valued by its residents for its beautiful scenery, quiet lifestyle, inclusiveness, and friendliness. At the heart of the village is the RFS shed, which doubles as a community meeting space. Lynne Sawyers Park, located at the northern entry to the village, provides opportunities for recreation at the local level, as does the informal) public reserve adjoining the banks of the Lachlan River south of the village.

GOOLOOGONG

Gooloogong is one of the Shire’s more substantial village settlements; located 38km north-west of Cowra nestled on the banks of the Lachlan River, set against a backdrop of the Conimbla National Park and rich with heritage-listed buildings and places. The Gooloogong Public School, Gooloogong Post Office and Shop, the Gooloogong Hotel, Gooloogong Memorial Hall and Gooloogong Public School continue to service the needs of the local community including the surrounding farming district. The hub of the village is the Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall, a truly unique and iconic building that is used extensively for events, functions, markets and social interactions generally. The Gooloogong Memorial Park and Caravan Park are highly valued recreational assets for local residents and are key attractions for tourists and visitors to the village. The potential for population growth and sustained economic development within the village is bolstered by its proximity to Moxey Farms – a large scale dairy operation and employer in the region.

MORONGLA

The word Morongla translates to ‘crayfish’ in the local Wiradjuri language.

 Morongla is the Shire’s smallest village – located 15 kilometres south of Cowra on the Lachlan Valley Way. Despite its size, Morongla is quaint and retains a genuine rural character underpinned by a quiet lifestyle, healthy environment, creeks and birdlife, remnant trees and scenic countryside. The northern and southern entries to the village are attractive and create a pleasant welcome for residents and visitors alike. Today, Morongla supports only a few dwellings, but the community spreads beyond the village boundaries and into the surrounding farming district. Most residents have a farming background and are generational residents to the area. The hub of community interaction is the Morongla Hall), which is used extensively for a range of purposes, including a visiting pre-school, district nurse and hairdresser, yoga, rural youth group, craft days and fundraising. The adjoining showground is used for public recreation at the local level and hosts the highly successful annual Morongla Show and sheepdog trials.

NOONBINNA

Noonbinna is one of the Shire’s smaller village settlements – located 7km south of Cowra. The village lies adjacent to the Olympic Highway which is part of the State Highway System and as a result enjoys excellent access to the nearby Cowra Township. The village is effectively a small enclave surrounded by trees but with a distant mountain range as a backdrop to the western horizon. Like Billimari, Noonbinna’s history lies with its connections to the railway. A prominent feature of the Noonbinna landscape is a large grain handling facility which once accommodated bulk wheat deliveries for rail transportation. The former Noonbinna School House, sitting prominently within a Crown Reserve, serves as a reminder that the village was once a self-sufficient little community; however, residents are now reliant on Cowra for access to commercial services, community facilities and public recreation. Affordable property and the proximity to Cowra, makes Noonbinna an attractive proposition for new residents and in recent years the village has experienced some new housing growth.

WATTAMONDARA

Wattamondara is one of the Shire’s mid-size village settlements and is located 15km south-west of Cowra. The village straddles the Olympic Way and shares a boundary with Back Creek, a lower order water course snaking its way through some of the most productive agricultural land in Cowra Shire. Like Noonbinna and Billimari, Wattamondara’s history lies with its connections to the railway, with redundant silos now forming a prominent feature of the urban landscape. The Wattamondara Recreation Ground (The Rec Ground) lies at the heart of the village, both geographically and in terms of social importance. The Rec Ground is the focus of most community activity and interaction. A major drawcard for visitors to the village is the Wattamondara Camp-Draft hosted at the Rec Ground on a bi-annual basis. EJ Walker Park and a Crown Reserve provide additional opportunities for public recreation at the local level. In recent years, the village has experienced some new subdivision and housing growth.

WOODSTOCK

Once a prosperous gold and copper mining village, Woodstock is enjoying a resurgence. The country pub and railway station have recently been restored and visitors can stay in several B&B’s. For those seeking a thrill, the Woodstock Park Speedway is pumping with action. Attend one of the many community events at the Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Hall, including the annual Festival of Small Halls or stroll through the picturesque gardens during the Open Garden weekend.  Returning to country roots, the annual Woodstock Memorial Show held each Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to catch up with family and friends whilst enjoying a fantastic day out.

Visit Woodstock

WYANGALA

The village of Wyangala is an absolute adventure playground. For starters, it’s the hub of Reflections Holiday Park Wyangala Waters. There’s also a nine-hole golf course and tennis court available for visitors. After a day of fishing and water sports, you can relax with a meal and a drink at the Wyangala Country Club. Or pack a picnic and head to Dissipator Park, which is located right at the base of the dam wall. It’s a spectacular backdrop for any occasion. Make the most of clear country skies at this destination that is ideal for a day trip and picnic, water sports and just right for a family holiday or get away with friends.

Visit Wyangala