On 5 August 1944, the largest Prisoner of War breakout in modern military history took place in Cowra, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass escape from the camp, which claimed the lives of 231 Japanese prisoners and four Australian soldiers.
A long lasting friendship between the people of Cowra and the nation of Japan has developed since the breakout. Officially opened in 1979, Cowra Japanese Garden is a stunning 5 hectare strolling garden, the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. It remains a symbol of reconciliation between Australia and Japan and is connected to the Breakout site and former Prisoner of War Camp by Sakura Avenue.
Until 10 August, a series of events including exhibitions, performances, cultural activities and dinners will be held in Cowra. For details, visit the Tourism Cowra website.
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