A popular overnight stop a short drive east of the Newell Highway, and approximately midway between Melbourne and Brisbane, Grenfell sits at the foot of the picturesque Weddin Mountains National Park.
The historic town is celebrated for its magnificent painted silo, beautiful National Park and historic Iandra Castle.
Things to do
Grenfell is a beautiful town and one of the regions real hidden gems. Indulge in boutique shopping and gourmet cafes, with a main street full of character, unique museums and a variety of fun experiences.
Grenfell is where old meets new with the main street lined with beautiful historic buildings and inside them, old fashioned customer service with a modern high quality shopping experience.
Grenfell is the perfect country weekend escape all year round. In Winter snuggle up next to the fire and unwind. In Spring take in the breathtaking patchworked landscapes of the green and gold. During Summer time the weather is fine… the perfect time to go exploring. And in Autumn the air is cool and crisp and the colours are amazing.
R&R
If you are interested in outdoor activities Grenfell is the place for you! Get active with a round of golf, a game of squash or lawn bowls, a spot of fishing or a splash at the Olympic pool. Why not grab your hiking boots, mountain bike, a picnic, a camera, or a canvas and head into the outdoors.
History & Heritage
Bushranging
Bushranging began in the region in the late 1850s well before Grenfell was ever proclaimed. During this period there were many travellers on the roads and the area was a haven for bushrangers. Ben Hall is a bushranger synonymous with the area. In 1850 he and other members of the Hall family moved to the Lachlan district, where Ben Hall became a stockman.
The discovery of gold in Grenfell
In 1866 shepherd, Cornelius O’Brien discovered a gold bearing quartz outcrop. Within weeks, large parties of miners from the Lambing Flats and Forbes diggings arrived. Tents, bark huts and a business centre grew along the banks of Emu Creek. Between 1867 and 1869 over 40,000 ounces of gold were produced each year on the Grenfell goldfields and were the richest gold fields in NSW during this time.
Grenfell was proclaimed on January 1 1867 after Gold Commissioner, John Granville Grenfell, who was wounded by bushrangers near Narromine on December 7 1866. John Granville Grenfell was driving a coach at the time and refused to stop when bushrangers called him to. He was shot twice in the groin and died 24 hours later.
Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson was born on the Grenfell goldfields in 1867. Lawson remains one of Australia’s most famous writers. Lawson had known life as a bush worker, house painter, telegraph linesman, journalist and rouseabout. Much of what he saw and experienced went into his short stories but his deepest feelings are revealed in his verse. He was haunted by the impermanence of life and his poetry was often criticised as being too melancholy. Lawson was able to depict in story and verse the life of the common man and woman of the time.
Lawson died aged 55 and was given a state funeral, the first writer to be given one. The site of Henry’s birth is marked with an obelisk which stands under a gum tree planted by his daughter.
RV Friendly
Grenfell has established a great reputation amongst the caravan, campervan and motorhome communities as a friendly and welcoming town and has become a very popular overnight stop. As an RV Friendly Town, Grenfell offers a range of amenities including toilets and showers, caravan parks and rest areas making it a perfect destination for the mobile traveller.
Events
Grenfell’s event program has a range of community and sporting events and exhibitions. Grenfell has an extensive event calendar. Visit the website for an up-to-date list of upcoming events www.grenfell.org.au/attractions/events
Dine
Grenfell enjoys a diverse selection of dining options. Appreciate a relaxed meal at a cosy café, enjoy hearty fare and a yarn with a friendly local at one the towns many pubs, pick up takeaway or enjoy a picnic at a unique vantage point across the shire.
Attractions
Visit the Grenfell website www.grenfell.org.au for a detailed description of attractions and activities in Grenfell.
Places to stay
Grenfell offers country hospitality and a great range of places to stay. From enjoying the comfort of a 5-star B&B and self-contained unit, to relaxing with a beer at a local pub, Grenfell has a range of accommodation for all tastes and budgets. A range of camping options offer great amenities for RVs, while touring the region. Most accommodation venues in Grenfell are within walking distance of the CBD.