Canowindra.....
Canowindra is a small town (pop 1700) situated in the Central West of New South Wales (approx 4hrs drive west of Sydney and 3hrs north of Canberra - see location map). Although the basis of the town has been around agriculture throughout its history, more recently it has developed a thriving food, wine and art scene.
From the beginnings on the south of the Belubula River it was realised by most that a township on the north side would do better and in 1846, the same year as Governor Fitzroy visited the area, the first buildings were erected. The private town developed steadily as it was adjacent to one of the few crossings of the river and in a piecemeal style with odd blocks of land and no formal street plan, hence the winding nature of the main street, Gaskill Street.
Its next claim to fame came in 1863 when bushranger Ben Hall and his gang took over Robinson's Inn, later the Royal Hotel, and took townsfolk as hostages for 3 days.
After the first road bridge was built in 1874 the town developed at a faster pace and many of the historic old homes and buildings date from the latter part of the 19th century. The town became a service centre for the Belubula Valley and surrounding wheat area.
Canowindra's still air, cool mornings and warm days have made it an ideal location for hot air ballooning and have led to the town being known as 'Australia's Ballooning Capital'.
In the 1990's excavation was carried out on the outskirts revealing 360 million year old fossils from the Late Devonian times. The Age of Fishes Museum has recently been constructed which displays the unique fish fossils that have been found in the Canowindra area including the ‘Canowindra Grossi’.
Things to Do.....
Canowindra is more than just your normal small country town with a wide range of activities from hot air ballooning, discovering the past at our museums to antiquing or shopping for gourmet food and coffee. Why not take in a wine tour or tasting when you are here?
To find out more about things to do in Canowindra.... Click here
Things to do | Accommodation | Links of Interest
Accommodation....
There is a diverse array of accommodations to suit all needs and budgets. From historic early 20th century homes to luxury B&B's or friendly and cosy guesthouses the accommodations available is ideal for the perfect getaway or perhaps a longer stay?
To find out more about accommodation in Canowindra.... Click here
Things to do | Accommodation | Links of Interest
Links of interest.....
There is so much going on in and around Canowindra all year round. Swinging Bridge have put together a selection of links to websites that feature the best the our area has to offer. If you would to link to the Swinging Bridge website please contact us at: sales@swingingbridge.com.au
To find out more about what is going on in Canowindra and the surrounding Central Ranges and links to sites of interest.... Click here
Things to do | Accommodation | Links of Interest
