Discover Canowindra: Fossils, River and Balloons

Canowindra brings together very different themes: the Age of Fishes Museum explores the history of the Earth, the Belubula Riverwalk follows the riverbank and crosses the Swinging Bridge. The annual Canowindra International Balloon Challenge focuses on competitive ballooning. There is also local history and an event announced for 2027 featuring illuminated hot-air balloons. You can therefore make your trip about the museum, a walk, history or ballooning.

Devonian fossils and geological time

The Age of Fishes Museum displays Devonian fossils alongside live aquarium exhibits. Reconstructions illustrate life in the Devonian period 360 million years ago. In one museum, you can encounter fossils, live aquarium exhibits and reconstructions of past life. The offerings include two permanent exhibitions, an education centre and a picnic area. There is also a geological time walk in the landscaped gardens, exploring the history of the Earth along a path through the grounds. Each element offers its own focus: the exhibitions and education centre explore the subject, while the time walk extends it into the landscaped gardens.

By the Belubula River

The Canowindra Belubula Riverwalk follows the banks of the Belubula River and crosses the Swinging Bridge. It is an easy, family-friendly walking trail. Information boards offer insights into Indigenous heritage, early European settlement and the unique ecosystems in and around the river. The walk therefore combines exercise with several perspectives on the river and its surroundings. For families who would like to learn more about history and ecosystems during a walk, this trail offers a specific point of interest.

Local history in Canowindra

The Canowindra Historical Museum traces Canowindra’s development from a frontier town on the Belubula River in the 1840s to a rural centre. This local history complements the much more distant history of the Earth explored at the Age of Fishes Museum. A memorial plaque for Elizabeth Jane (Bessie) Robinson is located at the Old Vic Inn, 56 Gaskill St, Canowindra NSW 2804. The Canowindra Historical Museum welcomes bus tours and school groups by prior appointment. If you are planning to visit with one of these groups, arrange your visit in advance.

Ballooning and event dates

Every year, pilots from across Australia and overseas come together at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge to compete in ballooning. Weather permitting, balloons launch daily shortly after sunrise. The weather and that year’s programme may affect the event schedule. If you would like to plan your trip around the Challenge, check the dates and programme for the relevant year before making plans.

An event announced for 2027 at Canowindra Sports Oval is set to feature 15 hot-air balloons being inflated shortly after sunset. They are then expected to light up like 20-metre-high light bulbs and synchronise their lights to a music mix. This announced display offers a different experience from the launches shortly after sunrise at the Balloon Challenge. Keep an eye on the dates and event details provided for each event when planning, so your stay matches the experience that interests you.

Tailor your search to the experiences you would like to make the focus of your trip.

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