Canowindra NSW 2804 (Pop 1 700)

Canowindra, the Aboriginal word for ‘home’, is located in Central West NSW 316 km west of Sydney. Known as the ‘Balloon Capital of Australia’ due to the area’s many annual balloon flights, it is also a charming somewhat old fashioned township sitting on the BelubulaRiver and acts as a rural service centre for the rich surrounding district. Canowindra was established in 1847 following habitation by the Wiradjuri Aborigines. The town’s main street (Gaskill) is National Trust-classified. Main industries include wheat, lucerne and wool with discoveries of ancient fish fossils in 1950s and again in 1990s contributing to the town’s appeal. Marti’s Balloon Fiesta (Apr), Canowindra Country Show (Sept), Springfest (Oct).

Accommodation:
Canowindra has a couple of motels, 3 hotels, a guesthouse and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Olympic Park, Mid Western Hwy, Cowra. Tel (02) 6342 4333 or Canowindra Newsagency, Gaskill St.

Airports:
Cowra Aerodrome (CWT) Airport Rd just off  Mid Western Hwy &  Lachlan Valley Way . Tel (02) 6341 1616. (32 km south) or Orange Airport (OAG) Forest Rd, Spring Hill. Tel (02) 6365 5211. (59 km n-e).

Hospital:
Canowindra Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Browns Ave. Tel (02) 6344 1505 and (02) 6344 1314.