Cowra POW Camp was constructed during June 1941 and was dismantled in 1947. It consisted of 4 x 17 Acre camps (1 x Japanese, 2 x Italian and 1 x Japanese Officer camps) with a capacity of 1000 prisoners per camp. The entire camp was manned by the 22nd Australian Garrison.

Cowra Riot
The largest prison break out in history occurred at Corwra on the night of August 4-5, 1944. The riot was planned in secret by the Japanese prisoners. Former Zero pilot, Hajime Toyoshima, who was shot down over Darwin flying A6M2 5349 (and became the first POW captured on Australian soil) signaled the start of the breakout with a bugle. He was later killed in the revolt. The bugle is today on display at the Australian War Memorial. After the riot, all but two buildings (unknown whether this is in the entire camp, or just one of the 4 sections) were burnt down. Four Australians were killed (and four wounded). 231 Japanese POWs died.

Cowra Today
All that is left today of the POW Camp are a number of concrete slabs and piles of rubble in the middle of sheep and cattle paddocks. There is an Italian war memorial at the camp site, Japanese war cemetery and Japanese Gardens located a few kilometers away. Also, a bell for World Peace, and visitor center.