Corowa History
Walking through history
Discover the historical heart of modern Australia in Corowa. Uncover the secrets of our vibrant town and the spirit of our proud people as you journey through a past that shaped a nation.
Corowa holds a unique place in Australian history as the 'Birthplace of Federation'. The pivotal People's Convention of 1893, held here, set the nation on its path to unity.
Explore this remarkable story at the Federation Museum, housed in a century-old building with a major exhibit dedicated to the road to Federation.
Immerse yourself in Corowa's rich past by admiring its captivating historic architecture, including the Corowa Courthouse and the Oddfellow's Hall, the very location of the People's Convention.
The best way to experience Corowa's history is through the self-guided historic walk. Follow the informative signs at key buildings and the storyboards at the Corowa Civic Centre and Sanger Street to bring the story of Federation to life.
Allow about three hours for the walking tour, with plenty of opportunities to stop and relax. Alternatively, explore the central sites on foot and then drive to the outer locations for a tour of approximately one hour by car.
Explore Corowa History
Corowa Distilling Co
Listed as one of the top 10 up-and-coming whisky distilleries in the world in 2017 and named a ‘whisky brand’ of the future by ‘the spirit business’, Corowa Distilling Co has had products for sale since August 2018. In the small border…
Corowa Federation Museum - Mary Street Mural
One of Corowa's first murals, their amusing and informative mural was created in 2014 by local artist Dev Knighton. Depicting the great country Lifestyle to be experienced in Corowa and surrounds one can see just how many wonderful…
Corowa and Howlong History Trails
The Corowa region is rich with wonderful experiences that celebrate and commemorate the ancient Indigenous and colonial history. Explore their self-guided history trails in Corowa and Howlong, and discover how these towns have contributed…
Rutherglen Wine Bottle
Standing tall since 1900, Rutherglen's historic water tower, now affectionately known as "The Wine Bottle" is a beloved local landmark with a fascinating story. Originally built to hold 72,000 gallons of water for the town, it became a…
Rutherglen Gold Battery Walk
The Rutherglen Gold Battery walk will take you through sites around the area such as Silo Art, the iconic Wine Bottle, the Rutherglen Gold Battery, and the Rutherglen Convent and Brewery. This walk is approximately four kilometres and will…
Sculpture Walk at Gooramadda Olives & Providore
Enjoy a self-guided stroll around the large metal sculptures in close proximity to the cellar door. The grove has several large metal sculptors and sculpted furniture of interest. The property is a working farm and the ground in places can…
Orchid in a Teacup Sculpture
Oaklands is home to a unique threatened orchid: the Oaklands Diuris. To celebrate and raise awareness of the orchid and improve the streetscape for locals and travellers alike, the Oaklands Country Women's Association commissioned a…
The Water Fountain
Now located at the entrance to Ball Park Caravan Park and privately owned, this water fountain was originally donated by Mayor A. A. Piggin in 1907 to commemorate the opening of Corowa's town water supply. The Fountain was originally…
John Foord Bridge
Spanning the majestic Murray River from Corowa in New South Wales to Wahgunyah in Victoria, this iron lace bridge was named after one of Wahgunyah and Corowa's pioneer founders, Mr John Foord. He operated the original punt across the…
Memorial Plaza Interactive Mural
Inspired by the Murray River, local street artist, Kade Sarte worked with local high school students to create the Memorial Plaza Interactive murals, just off Sanger Street in Corowa.An excited little echidna peaks over a flowerbed, next…
Corowa Catholic Cemetery
Corowa's Catholic Cemetery sits on the outskirts of town, adjacent to the Corowa Lawn Cemetery, which was opened at the site in 1970. While the cemetery is still in use today, there are many historical headstones and monuments within the…
Federation Timeline
A storyboard sits on the street outside the Royal Hotel in Corowa, detailing the story of Federation, particularly how it relates to Corowa as the Birthplace of Federation. The timeline steps through the Federation story year by year.The…
Birthplace of Australian Federation
Step back in time and discover Corowa’s history and its role in the birth of Federation at the Corowa Federation Museum. Museum displays describe Australia’s pathway from a series of independent colonies to a single, unified nation, and vital role the town of Corowa played in this story.
In 2020, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of “Shearing the Rams”, a large mural of the iconic painting reproduced by Tracy Hancock was unveiled at the Federation Museum. The mural was funded by a bequest from the late Tim Fischer AC, local identity and former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, and the grand opening was attended by one of the descendants of Jim Coffey, the main shearer featured in the painting.
Among other displays, art lovers will also enjoy seeing sketches by Tommy McRae, an accomplished local indigenous artist. McRae, who is said to have worked at Brocklesby Station several decades before Roberts’ visit, depicted Aboriginal cultural life and the arrival of colonists through beautiful sketches. His work can be seen in venues including the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, the state libraries of Victoria and New South Wales, and the Melbourne Museum.
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