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
Rutherglen Gold Battery
Step back in time at the Rutherglen Gold Battery, located just on the northern edge of town—an easy stroll from the centre. Built to crush quartz from nearby reefs and release the gold hidden within, the Battery is a fascinating reminder…
Hardworking Horse Sculpture
The "Hardworking Horse" sculpture at Daysdale, situated in the picnic area across from the Exchange Hotel, had a plaque unveiled on 27th March 2021 in honour of the late Len Hanrahan, a local farmer who lost his 40 year-long battle with…
Corowa Pioneer Cemetery
Located on Federation Avenue, the Pioneer Cemetery in Corowa was started prior to Federation, with the oldest headstone dated 1859. The headstone was that of Mr Andrew Hume, nephew of Mr Hamilton Hume of Hume and Hovell fame.A memorial…
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…
Lake King Wetlands at Rutherglen
Formed in the late 1860s to supply water to the town, Lake King now sits peacefully between Rutherglen Golf Course, Holiday Park, Apex Playground, and the Bowling Green. This scenic wetland is a favorite among locals and visitors alike,…
The Soldiers Memorial
A prominent landmark in the town of Corowa. The Soldiers Memorial stands proud and tall at the head of Sanger Street.The memorial with its clock tower was unveiled in 1922. An avenue of trees was planted along Albury Road, which was later…
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…
Shearing the Ram Sculpture
Inspired by the Tom Roberts painting of the same name. Urana artist Andrew Whitehead was commissioned in 2018 by Federation Council to create a lifesize replica of a shearer using blade shears to shear a curly horned ram. The sketches Tom…
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…
Federation Museum - "Shearing the Rams" - An Artist's Impression Mural
The mural, which is an artist's impression by Tracy Hancock, was unveiled on Saturday 4th October 2020 by the Mayor of Federation Council - Mr Pat Bourke. The project was part of the celebration of the 130th Anniversary of the completion…
Rutherglen Silos
Visit the Rutherglen Silo Precinct in the heart of Rutherglen and see four enormous, colourful, contemporary murals by Wangaratta-based artist Ronan Holdsworth.Titled 'Birds of Seasons', these vibrant artworks celebrate the local fauna…
Australian Soaring Centre
The skies around Corowa are perfect for gliding, with many clear days throughout the year. The Australian Soaring Centre is in a class of its own. Come out and watch the gliders take off and fly around the countryside, or, for those a…
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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