Canowindra
'The Hot Air Ballooning Capital of Australia', Canowindra was once known as the town held captive by Frank Gardiner's gang of bushrangers which included Ben Hall. They occupied the town for three days in 1863. Apparently they ordered all the residents, including the policeman, into Robinson's Hotel (no longer standing but replaced by the Royal) and forced them to join in a party.
Don't miss the Hot Air Ballooning weekends - a great sight and usually rides can be organized, also the Age of Fishes Museum displaying the fish fossil collection which made Canowindra world famous in 1956 for the 360 million year old fossil find. You can even arrange to go on an actual fossil dig. The Canowindra Springfest is during the long weekend in October - this is a celebration of local food, wine and art.
Helping to create a real feel of the 19th century are the many verandahs along the meandering main street. Canowindra dates back to the late 1830's after Governor Fitzroy crossed the Belubula River there in 1836.
The Orange
Town and around Website
