Canowindra: Fossils, River Walk and Balloon Competition

Canowindra brings together geological history, insights into the development of a rural centre and experiences along the Belubula River. Ballooning is another highlight, bringing pilots from across Australia and overseas together for the annual Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. The town offers different options to help you plan your trip: a museum and history, a walk by the river or an event centred on hot-air balloons.

Fossils and geological history at the Age of Fishes Museum

At the Age of Fishes Museum, Devonian fossils sit alongside live aquarium displays. Reconstructions also show what life was like during the Devonian period 360 million years ago. The contrast between fossils, aquariums and reconstructions offers different perspectives on this distant period in Earth's history.

The museum features two permanent exhibitions, an education centre and a picnic area. A geological time walk through the subject of Earth's history also winds through the landscaped gardens. Families can consider these different museum features when planning their visit; the walk complements the exhibitions with a stroll through the garden.

Walk along the Belubula River

The Canowindra Belubula Riverwalk follows the banks of the Belubula River and crosses the Swinging Bridge. It is described as an easy, family-friendly walking track. Information boards along the way offer insights into Indigenous heritage, early European settlement and the unique ecosystems in and around the river.

The walk combines exercise with several themes relating to the history and nature of the Belubula River. If you are looking for a quieter activity to complement your museum visit, the Riverwalk is another way to experience Canowindra. The information boards invite you to consider both the history of settlement and the ecosystems in and around the river.

Balloon competition and announced 2027 event

Each year, the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge brings pilots from Australia and overseas together to compete in ballooning. Weather permitting, the balloons take off daily shortly after sunrise during the challenge. The early start and weather conditions are useful things to keep in mind if you are interested in the competition.

A separate event announced for 2027 is planned for Canowindra Sports Oval: 15 hot-air balloons are to be inflated there shortly after sunset. They will then light up like 20-metre-high light bulbs and synchronise their lights to a music mix. The announcement describes an evening event, while the challenge's take-offs take place shortly after sunrise, weather permitting.

Local history

The Canowindra Historical Museum traces Canowindra's development from a frontier town on the Belubula River in the 1840s to a rural centre. It complements the natural and geological history with the story of the town itself. The museum welcomes bus tours and school groups by appointment.

Another historic site is the plaque commemorating Elizabeth Jane (Bessie) Robinson at the Old Vic Inn, 56 Gaskill St, Canowindra NSW 2804. If you are especially interested in local history, you can consider this alongside a visit to the Historical Museum.

When choosing a holiday rental in Canowindra, your preferred experiences may help you decide: fossils and geological history, the family-friendly riverside walking track or the balloon competition each appeal to different interests. More local pages: Bywong, Myocum, Marrangaroo, Hanwood, Coffee Camp, Krambach, Georges Plains and Corindi Beach.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.