Cowra Prisoner of War Camp Site

The Cowra Prisoner of War Camp Site is a former military detention facility near Cowra in Australia that once held thousands of prisoners from different nations. The grounds span across several acres and still show the foundations of guard towers, sleeping quarters, and administrative structures.

The facility was established during World War II to hold prisoners from different countries. In August 1944, it became the site of the largest escape attempt in British Commonwealth military history when around 1000 Japanese prisoners tried to break out.

The site shows how Australian, Japanese, and Italian soldiers were brought together in one place during World War II. Visitors can see in the remaining buildings how life was organized for prisoners from different nations.

The grounds can be explored on foot with informational signs guiding visitors through different sections of the former facility. It is good to wear comfortable shoes as the visit can take several hours and the terrain has some uneven areas.

The site contains a five-part sculpture showing people from different nationalities affected by the war. The artwork displays both guards and prisoners, keeping alive the human stories connected to this historical event.

Location: Cowra Shire

GPS coordinates: -33.81500,148.70600

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03