Tucked into the heart of the central west region, Canowindra is a town that quietly blends history, charm and a touch of the unexpected.
Rich in bushranger folklore, Canowindra once echoed with the stories of notorious figures like Ben Hall and John Gilbert. Their legends still lingers.
But Canowindra’s story stretches back far beyond colonial times. Beneath its soil fish fossils dating back 360 million years were discovered by chance in 1955. These ancient
remains offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric aquatic life, making the town a fascinating stop for history lovers and curious travellers alike.
At the centre of it all is the famous Gaskill Street, a sweeping, bendy stretch that was once a bullock track. Today, it’s lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, home to a welcoming mix of boutiques, nurseries, emporiums, coffee shops, craft stores, art galleries, classic country hotels and a bookshop that provides many genres including rare editions. It’s the kind of street where you can slow down, wander, and discover something new around every curve.
Canowindra has even had its moment on the big screen. The film Strangerland, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugo Weaving, was partially filmed in and around the town in 2014.
Locals are always happy to share stories from the production, adding another layer to Canowindra’s rich tapestry.
Whether you’re drawn by its history, its scenery, or simply the promise of a good coffee in a beautiful setting, Canowindra invites you to take the turn, slow the pace, and stay awhile.
A Personal Approach To All Things Real Estate
A boutique, locally focused real estate agency that prioritises genuine relationships over high-volume transactions, Principal Agent, Michelle McVicar says MAC Property’s integrity and personal approach makes them stand out.
Rather than being sales-driven, Michelle says she leans into a calm, supportive experience, offering personalised guidance, honest advice and clear communication at every step. With strong local knowledge of the Canowindra region and a focus on making clients feel understood and at ease, Michelle says she positions herself less as a traditional agent and more as a trusted advisor, creating a more human, transparent, and stress-free property journey.
After a 20-year career in Human Resources, Michelle opted for a huge career change into real estate and a solo business operator.
“I was just completely burnt out from the corporate world, and something had to change, I have always loved real estate and had a strong desire to be my own boss,” she says.
“I love meeting new people and helping them with their property journey.”
MAC Property recently opened its Canowindra office at 65 Gaskill Street and Michelle says she is proud to be part of the local community.
“Canowindra is a beautiful little town, the people are so friendly and supportive, I just love it,” she says.
“We are a family owned and operated business, not a franchise or a big corporate, which means we have the flexibility to run the business and service our customers however we think is best; we aren’t dictated to by a head office.”
At MAC Property, Michelle says quality service is defined by how clients feel throughout the entire experience. It centres on understanding each client’s unique situation, providing honest, pressure-free advice, and guiding them through every step with clear and consistent communication.
This level of service, she says, is reflected in their attention to detail, being responsive, proactive and genuinely committed to achieving the best outcome rather than a quick transaction.
“I am looking forward to working with sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants in the Canowindra region,” Michelle says.
The Designers Who Are Incorporating Heritage Into Something New
Jackie Merchant and Sophie White are living their design dream.
Both qualified interior decorators and stylists, the two friends have brought their business, Finch and Hatton to life in the centre of Canowindra at 66 Gaskill Street, Canowindra.
From 2025, the neighbours (now turned business partners) have brought their extensive knowledge in fabrics and interiors with them to create soft furnishings from vintage and designer fabrics, such as Sanderson, Warwick, Laura Ashely, GP and J Baker, Colefax and Fowler, and many more. Items such as cushions and lampshades are made by them on site.
Offering repair and recovery services for their clients in preexisting lampshades, Finch and Hatton also stocks a range of other brands of homewares, gifts, original artworks and lamp bases within the shop.
With a declared love of country interiors, both Jackie and Sophie say they specialise in combining “the new with the old” and are always on the lookout for vintage fabric in good condition.
Open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, the pair say every piece they make is with care, “bringing new life to premium materials”.
“We design and hand-make each item that leaves our studio in Canowindra,” they say.
“We are committed to creating pieces that stand the test of time not just physically, but aesthetically as well.
“Items that you will love for a long time”.
From updating existing spaces to accessorising a new home, Jackie and Sophie say they are always eager to bring a project to life.
They also offer a styling service for those wanting to update their property for sale, or to get the vision right for their own home.
For more information, visit hello@finchandhatton.com.au or visit finchandhatton.com.au.
Virginia Cullane Books
It’s more than a bookshop—it’s a legacy, where a mother’s love of books continues through her daughter Jenny.
Among the shelves and softly worn pages lies a story of loss, resilience and quiet determination, as Jenny carries forward not just a business, but a lifelong passion first sparked by her mother.
Jenny’s mother, Virginia Cullane’s love for reading began at an early age. An avid book reader all her life, she started searching for books professionally in March, 1985. Virginia also began selling books via catalogue from the farm. A purpose-built book-room was erected on the farm, before Virginia opened her first secondhand bookshop in 2002 in Blatchford St, Canowindra, NSW.
Virginia’s business continued to grow & in 2008, moved to larger premises at 81 Gaskill St, Canowindra. Virginia excelled at & loved book-searching, finding almost any book requested by her clients, including rare and out-of-print books. Virginia’s passion was helping others, which she combined with her love of books, reading and education.
Sadly, Virginia was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in November, 2013 and died in August, 2014.
Today the book shop stands proudly as a reminder of Virginia and her passion for all of us to learn and enjoy books.
All book lovers are welcome to the shop, whether you’re interested in fiction or non-fiction.
The shelves are stocked with used books including local history, military, art, literature, agriculture, transport, technical books & fiction.
Jenny said she is constantly busy finding books for clients.
With a strong reach across the globe buying and selling the bookshop has become very well known.
A free book search service is available.
When visiting Canowindra, call in and say hello to Jenny — she’ll be delighted to assist you in finding your next exciting read.
Canowindra Creative Centre
The Canowindra Creative Centre Inc (CCC) is now in its eleventh year. They are an active community not-for-profit group, run by members, for members.
There are two sections to the organisation. Activity groups held at Orana House, 32 Ferguson Street, Canowindra, Monday (any) Craft, Tuesday Mosaic, Thursday Sewing, all held weekly from 10-2, excluding public holidays. The Writer’s Support Group meets every fortnight, working with the members for a suitable time and location for one and a half hours.
These activities are not workshops. They are a group of people coming together with a common interest, developing new skills or practising their craft. Everyone helps, encourages and supports each other in a safe, friendly environment. A cuppa is always available, even just for a chat.
The Canowindra Creative Centre are always interested in new ideas and open to discussion. Membership is optional; a donation is welcome, however, not essential. All are welcome.
The other part of the CCC is the shop located at 50 Gaskill Street, which is open Friday and Saturday, 10am – 3pm. It is stocked to the brim with local and regional handmade and repurposed quality products. They are made by the members who pay an annual $20 fee with a 10% commission charge.
The CCC proudly showcase a variety of plants and a great selection of products including souvenirs, bookmarks, mugs, hand towels, gift cards, bags, keyrings, pens, face clothes, multi-purpose cloths, apron, mosaics, cross stitch, sun catchers, book covers also local history, cookery and children books, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, aprons, bags, hand towels, towels, cushions, pot mitts, cards, book sleeves, jams, leadlight decorations, hand painted terracotta pots and a large selection of gift ideas for all members of the family and winter warmers eg. beanies, scarves, gloves, socks, sloppy joes.
The Canowindra Creative Centre Inc. looks forward to meeting you. Further details, please contact Deb Rutter 0487801767 email debrutter@bigpond.com
Edellen Flowers
At the heart of our shop is a love for creativity, character, and the quiet beauty found in nature. Inspired by cottage gardens, wild landscapes, and a sense of nostalgia, our space is designed to feel warm, inviting, and thoughtfully layered.
While flowers remain a big part of what we do, our shop is so much more than a florist. We offer hands-on workshops that invite you to slow down, create, and connect—whether you’re arranging seasonal blooms, working with botanicals, or learning something new. Alongside this, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of homewares, plants, and pieces that bring that same soft, garden-inspired aesthetic into your home.
Everything we offer reflects our love of natural textures, seasonal beauty, and artisan craftsmanship. Our candles are poured in-store, inspired by the scents and feeling of the countryside, while our custom hat burning is a deeply personal experience—each piece individually designed and created by hand, making no two ever the same.
Our style leans into the imperfect and the meaningful—soft, nostalgic, and full of soul. Whether it’s a bouquet, a workshop, a handmade piece, or something special you’ve chosen for your home, we believe in creating items that feel personal and tell a story.
This is a space to wander, gather inspiration, and take a little piece of that feeling with you—thoughtful, botanical, and quietly beautiful.
Meg and Tam
49 Gaskill Street Canowindra
Discover The Age Of Fishes Museum
Discover one of Australia’s most extraordinary stories at the Age of Fishes Museum, right in the heart of Canowindra. This award‑winning attraction brings to life a moment that changed the planet, when some of the first animals on Earth began moving from water onto land.
The museum is home to Mandageria fairfaxi, the NSW State Fossil Emblem, a remarkable fossil found locally that represents a key step in evolution. Visitors can also see Groenlandaspis, a fossil fish whose discovery helped scientists prove that Earth’s continents were once joined together, placing Canowindra on the global scientific map.
With more than 80 tonnes of fossils uncovered from the region, the Age of Fishes Museum is internationally significant, yet wonderfully accessible. Interactive displays, engaging storytelling and real fossils make it a must‑see for families, curious minds and travellers seeking something truly unique.
Pair your visit with Canowindra’s historic streets, welcoming cafés and beautiful countryside, and discover why this small Central West town holds one of the biggest stories on Earth.
Perennialle Plants Nursery and Emporium
Set in a beautifully restored heritage building on Canowindra’s historic main street, Perennialle Plants Nursery and Emporium has quickly become a destination in its own right—part nursery, part emporium, part café, and entirely worth the visit.
From the moment you step inside, there’s a sense that this is not your average garden centre. The emporium is thoughtfully curated, offering a refined collection of garden tools built to last, timeless homewares, considered giftware, indoor plants, and a standout range of local and regional produce. It’s the kind of place where you come in for one thing and leave with three—each one something you didn’t know you needed, but won’t regret taking home.
At the heart of the space is the café, a welcoming hub that has become a favourite for locals and travellers alike. The coffee is consistently excellent—something regulars will tell you without hesitation—and it’s paired with a menu of simple, well-executed offerings. Think golden, flaky pastries, carefully made sweet treats, and gourmet toasted sandwiches that hit the spot. Whether you’re meeting friends or taking a quiet moment to yourself, it’s an easy place to settle in.
Step outside and you’ll find the nursery—arguably where it all began. Every plant is grown on-site in Canowindra, hardened to real conditions: full sun, frost, heat, and dry. It’s a collection shaped by experience, not theory, specialising in rare and hard-to-find varieties that thrive where others struggle. For gardeners in regional Australia, that difference matters. These are plants selected not just for beauty, but for resilience—plants that will perform in your garden, not just in a pot on a shelf.
What ties it all together is a clear point of view. Perennialle Plants isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it offers a considered range of quality products and plants, backed by genuine knowledge and a deep understanding of what works in Australian conditions.
Open Thursday to Monday from 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to—whether you’re passing through Canowindra or making a trip just for the experience.
Perennialle Plants isn’t just a stop along the way. It’s a reason to come.
A Home Away From Home at the Canowindra Hotel
Roughly translating to “home” in Wiradjuri, the Canowindra Hotel sits at the epicentre of the town and has a goal of reflecting the comfort one might find in their own home.
Hotel Manager, Sam Kerwick says they constantly trying to better their visitor experience to create something more personal as opposed to traditional pubs whose primary focus is on their catering.
At the Canowindra Hotel, dogs are just as welcome to attend as humans are.
“Our dog friendly beer garden is a real draw card for many locals and visitors,” she says.
The Hotel’s community appeal is what drew Sam in.
“No two shifts are the same,” she says.
“It’s not just about serving food or drinks, it’s about being part of a place where people come together.
“That ‘home’ feeling the venue aims for really resonated with me.”
Sam says they take pride in creating a place that feels warm and relaxed, where locals and visitors feel comfortable.
“It’s about being part of the community and creating an atmosphere people want to come back to,” she says.
According to Sam, part of making visitors feel like they are at home is in providing exceptional service through clear and friendly communication.
“People won’t remember every detail of what you did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel,” she says.
True joy, she says, is seeing people sit down to enjoy their food and town.
Discover the Heart of Canowindra at Finns Store
In the centre of Canowindra’s historic main street sits a destination that blends old-world charm with modern country style. Finns Store isn’t just a shop — it’s an experience, a meeting place, and a celebration of everything that makes this region special.
Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, Finns Store welcomes you with soaring timber ceilings, rustic timber counters, and a sense of history you can feel the moment you step inside. But it’s what fills the space that truly captures the imagination.
Finns Store showcases an ever changing collection of fashion, homewares, gifts, jewellery, and local artisan pieces, carefully curated by independent stall holders within a small coffee shop to reflect the creativity and character of the Central West. Whether you’re needing a coffee or searching for a unique present, refreshing your home décor, or treating yourself to something special, you’ll find pieces that feel personal and thoughtfully chosen.
It’s also a favourite stop for travellers exploring Canowindra’s wineries, ballooning adventures, and boutique village atmosphere. Visitors often say they “just popped in for a look” and left with treasures they didn’t know they needed.
But what truly sets Finns Store apart is its spirit. Friendly service, genuine local knowledge, and a passion for supporting regional makers make every visit feel like catching up with old friends. It’s the kind of place you return to again and again — because it feels good to be there and experience where Canowindra’s past and present meet — and where you’ll always find something to love. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 9.30 to 2.00 ish.
Make Bake Love
While exploring this delightful country town of Canowindra make sure you call into Make Bake Love located at 82 Gaskill Street.
With delicious treats and beautiful homewares available for purchase and friendly conversation, it’s the kind of country hospitality that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
Unique and Inspiring Patchwork Store
The Plague and I Patchwork Shop is a unique and inspiring patchwork quilt store located in Canowindra’s historic main street, owned by Debbie Guihot.
It is a full-service independent patchwork store, supplying a wide range of fabrics, wide backs, wadding, patterns, tools and expert advice, and they are now able to offer a quilting service for those unfinished quilt tops.
Debbie designs and works in a variety of patchwork styles, ranging from the traditional to contemporary and modern art quilts. There is an inspiring display of her competition entries in the gallery space.
When you set foot in the store, you’ll be able to express your personality through your fabric choices. You can achieve the quilt that your heart desires.
