Situated between Orange and Cowra, Canowindra is a historic town in cental western NSW dating back to the 1840s. Its a quaint mixture of time-stood-still, in the wonderful original architecture and well-preserved history, and unobtrusive modernity that's adding a fresh dimension to the charm of the town.
There's an artesian chocolate shop, stocking top quality chocolate from across Australia and soon to have a chocolate/coffee bar for discerning chocoholics. For those who are lamenting the passing away of so many bookshops in the city, there's a treasury of books in the village bookstore.
The bookshop is run my Jenny Cullane, a former police officer and lecturer at Goulburn Police Academy. Jenny's mother founded the business but when she was diagnosed with cancer, Jenny gave up her career and came to Canowindra to care for her mum and help with the store, which she now runs following her mother's death. With its pressed metal ceilings, rare and second hand books, its just the place to find a treasure. Jenny said, "People come in looking for a book they had as a child or that their mother or father had as a child and if you can find that book and supply it ... to see that smile is very rewarding".
There's an artesian chocolate shop, stocking top quality chocolate from across Australia and soon to have a chocolate/coffee bar for discerning chocoholics. For those who are lamenting the passing away of so many bookshops in the city, there's a treasury of books in the village bookstore.
The bookshop is run my Jenny Cullane, a former police officer and lecturer at Goulburn Police Academy. Jenny's mother founded the business but when she was diagnosed with cancer, Jenny gave up her career and came to Canowindra to care for her mum and help with the store, which she now runs following her mother's death. With its pressed metal ceilings, rare and second hand books, its just the place to find a treasure. Jenny said, "People come in looking for a book they had as a child or that their mother or father had as a child and if you can find that book and supply it ... to see that smile is very rewarding".
There are interesting places to eat and a wide range of stores offering something quite different to the carbon copy retail outlets of the city. There's a warmth and friendliness that reminds you that country folk tend to have more time than city folks or is it just different priorities? They stop to say hello and have a chat and you get the feeling they are genuinely interested.
If you're a gardener you'll love Perennialle Plants, a nursery specialising in rare drought and frost resistant perennial plants. Chris, the owner, is a horticulturalist, passionate about rare plants. He has an inspiring garden where you can see how certain plants thrive in the extremes of heat and frost. As well as the nursery, Chris has a shop with artesian-made gifts for the garden and home ... unusual gift ideas for both men and women and your hard to buy for friend. You can't help but come away inspired.
Of course Canowindra is renown for Hot Air Ballooning with the International Hot Air Balloon Race held there each April. It's a chance to get up close and personal with balloons and their pilots and a truly exciting experience, whether you adventure up in one yourself or just get involved in the activities. The town comes alive with visitors, markets, buskers and reminders of the past. Its a far cry from 1863 when the infamous bushranger, Ben Hall, came to town and rounded up the entire population in the pub, but that's a distant memory.
Great music and lots of fun with these musicians who were busking on Saturday morning. I would love to have heard their stories, I can imagine they have some good yarns between them.
Probably the greatest thing about Canowindra is its community spirit. When one of its own had triplets diagnosed with a congenital form of muscular dystrophy and restrictive lung disease, locals rallied. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised and people from all over gave their time, skills and donations of building supplies to build a purpose designed home for the family. Now three gorgeous children can navigate their wheelchairs around a home specially designed for their needs. What a triumph for a small community with a commitment to care for each other.
I love the fingerprint of the past standing graciously at the end of the main street ... a reminder of the once vibrant industry that sustained the town. The silos and railway that served them now lay silent but it was truly beautiful in the early morning light.
Every community is a product of its past and an expression of its present moment as it evolves into its future. No moment is less important, each has its own lessons to be learned and valued as does each moment of our lives. Canowindra appears to be doing that well and I was the richer for enjoying both its gracious past and gentle footsteps into a new era.
Every community is a product of its past and an expression of its present moment as it evolves into its future. No moment is less important, each has its own lessons to be learned and valued as does each moment of our lives. Canowindra appears to be doing that well and I was the richer for enjoying both its gracious past and gentle footsteps into a new era.
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