Cowra: Where to shop, where to eat

I've been travelling to Cowra for most of my life, as my mum grew up there and it's where most of her family still live. I know the two-hour drive from Canberra like the back of my hand, and still enjoy the scenic wheat crops and rocky country.

Whether you're passing through, or staying for a while, I've put together the places where I love to go to eat, drink and shop.

COFFEE & FOOD

The Breakout Brasserie

Probably the most popular café amongst the locals, the Breakout sits on a sloping hill just off the main street. With plenty of seating inside and out on the balcony, you can enjoy coffee brewed from Bills Beans - locally roasted in nearby Orange.

The Breakout serves Bills Beans, roasted in nearby Orange

Lots of seating out the front under the vines

They serve lovely breakfast and lunch including zucchini fritters, croissant French toast and the usual suspects of bacon, eggs and smashed avo. Burgers and salads are available for lunch and there are plenty of homemade slices and muffins to choose from their cake fridge.

Open 8am-4.30pm everyday, closed Sundays.

The Oxley Wine Bar

Live music, craft beer and gourmet pizza? Yes please! The Oxley a retro hideaway located on the main street. Live music can often be heard of an evening, with local and touring artists gracing the small stage to create a buzzing atmosphere.

They offer a great range of fine wines, beer, lunch and dinner - all created with Central Regional produce. They also do Sunday breakfast, perfect for those who may have stayed up a bit too late the night before.

Currently closed for renovations, The Oxley will be back in Spring 2019. Keep an eye out for their re-opening on their Facebook page.

Japanese Garden Cafe

Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the Japanese Gardens are an iconic destination to visit in Cowra.

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is a registered cultural organisation, and is classified by the National Trust as ‘A place of Significant Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance.'

The café allows visitors to enjoy scrumptious food and coffee while overlooking the five stunning hectares of garden and lakes. The café is fully licensed, so you can also enjoy a glass of wine with a view.

Open 8.30am-5pm everyday.

SHOP

Unearthed Homewares

Located just next to the Breakout Brasserie, this tasteful homeware shop is fitted out with cow skin rugs and gorgeous large artwork. Stunning hard cover books, jewellery and leather bags are some of the goodies you can pick up. Larger pieces such as linen bed heads, armchairs and coffee table are also available.

The second you walk into Unearthed, you will smell the divine bed and bath products, along with fresh candles lit around the room. Design services are also offered if you need a bit of assistance in the styling department.

Ingrid Mansley Interior Designs offers a full interior design service for mainly residential but also commercial projects. From a complete renovation or new build, to a simple makeover, they will work their magic to bring your vision to life.

Open 10am-4pm during the week, 9.30am-12.30pm Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Bo and Ree Boutique

From evening dresses to chunky knits and jeans, Bo and Ree has a huge range of top clothing brands that sit within one of the most beautiful shop fit-outs in town. Located in a renovated heritage-style cottage called 'Ilfracombe', the high ceilings, pitched roof and large windows create a beautiful space to browse and try on clothes, shoes and jewellery. A spectacular marble counter sits at the back of the room, filled with Pastiche jewellery.

Finders Keepers, The Fifth, Lulu & Rose, Mavi, Three of Something and Bless'ed Are The Meek are just a handful of brands you will find here. The staff are bubbly and helpful, and you're almost guaranteed to find something you will love. Open 9.30am-5pm everyday (3pm Saturdays), closed Sundays.

Re'lish Home and Living

Quirky cushions, bright handbags and plenty of giftware - Re'lish Home and Living is always full of fun bits and pieces. The shopfront is located on the main street, where you will find a range of homewares spilling out the door.

Compared to the some of the other homewares shops in town, Re-lish offers a wider range of smaller gifts and trinkets such as clothing, kitchen items, candles and keep cups.

They have even started offering local homemade pies and pizzas from the 'Re-lish Freezer'! Whether you're after a gift for someone, or feel like re-lish-ing yourself, this is the place.

Open 9am-5.30pm during the week, 9am-1pm Saturdays, closed Sundays.

More information on tourist destinations and activities around the area, check out Visit Cowra.

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