Magnolia

You can't go to Cowra without visiting the Japanese Gardens. This magnolia is among the countless blossoms that are festooning the precinct at this time of year. To cut a long story short, at a site just over the hill from these gardens, thousands of Japanese POWs were held during the latter stages of WWII. One night in 1944 there was a big breakout  of internees, during which three hundred prisoners were killed or wounded along with several guards and a number of innocent local people. This beautiful location constitutes part of a memorial of peace and reconciliation.

The town and gardens are gearing up for the annual cherry blossom festival. The main street is lined with beautiful trees in full bloom. Once again, I have lots more pictures from the day and so I have attached some extras from around the area.