Corowa

Quick facts

• Population approximately 5,461
• 299 kilometres north-east of Melbourne
• Birthplace of Federation.

On the Murray River at the border between NSW and Victoria, Corowa is referred to as the Birthplace of Federation. It was here in 1893 that a conference was held between the premiers of the six colonies from which the Australian Constitution was formed. Today you can trace the full history of the federation movement at the fascinating Corowa Federation Museum.

The town is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, who head to the Murray River to including swim, boat, canoe and fish. If you prefer dry land, head to the championship 27-hole golf course, or take to the skies with the national parachute training school and gliding club (Australian Soaring Centre) that operate out of the local airport.

Corowa also borders the world renowned Rutherglen wine region, famous for its full bodied reds and fortifieds.

Activities and attractions

• Enjoy a picnic in the river parklands or take a wander along one of the trails through the wetlands – they offer plenty of opportunities to see native bird and wildlife unique to the region
• Visit the fascinating Federation Museum, which traces the full history of the federation movement in Australia. The Museum also offers guided tours of historic Sanger Street and surrounds, and maps are available to explore the town centre at your own leisure
• Cast a line and hope to land a Murray cod - Australia’s best-eating freshwater fish. Fishing licences are now required in NSW and details are available from local information centres
• Play a round of golf at the renowned Corowa Golf Course, a championship 27 hole golf course or nearby Howlong Country Golf Club 
• Take a joy flight or skydiving tuition year-round (and weather permitting). The Corowa aerodrome is home to the local gliding club (Australian Soaring Centre) and the National Parachute School
• Visit the wineries throughout the Rutherglen region, famous for its full bodied reds and fortifieds. Day trip itineraries and details of winery tours are available from local information centres
• Take a drive through box-ironbark forest to the historic towns of Chiltern, Beechworth or Yackandandah
• Attend one of seven annual horse racing meets in the historic grandstand, or a tennis, golf or bowls tournament.

Major events

• Corowa Federation Festival – January
• Australian Billy Cart Championships – Easter Saturday
• Festival of Dance – September.

How to get there
Corowa is approximately 3 hours from Melbourne via the Hume Highway.