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Cowra, NSW

The Cowra Prisoner of War (POW) Camp site, located at the corner of Evans Street and Sakura Avenue, is a significant historical landmark in Cowra, New South Wales. At 1:50 am on August 5, 1944, over 1,000 Japanese prisoners initiated a mass escape, marking the largest POW breakout in modern military history, resulting in the loss of 231 Japanese prisoners and 5 Australian soldiers. Today, visitors can explore the site's ruins, enhanced by interpretive signage that brings its history to life. A replica guard tower offers an audio presentation, providing deeper insight into the events. Additionally, a five-panel sculpture by artist Wayne Miles commemorates those affected by the breakout, including an Australian guard, a Japanese POW, an Italian POW, and an Indonesian mother and child. The Cowra Peace Precinct, accessible via the Garrison Walk, culminates at the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, offering a serene environment for reflection on this poignant chapter of history.