Fast facts
- Historic gold-mining town and birthplace of poet Henry Lawson
- On the western plains, surrounded by canola fields and cattle and sheep farms
- 364 km west of Sydney, population 2,200
Why go there
Grenfell is a quiet rural town with plenty of historic buildings and a past summed up by gold, bushrangers and poetry. The nearby Weddin Mountains National Park, where native animals and birds thrive among the gum trees, offers magnificent walks.
History
Gold-miners seeking their fortune came in their thousands in 1866, and by 1871, Grenfell was producing more gold than any other town in the State.
Gold attracted bushrangers, including Ben Hall, who was born nearby. Hall and his gang rampaged through the area from late 1863 until his death in a hail of bullets in May 1865.
The great Australian poet, Henry Lawson, was born in Grenfell in a bush tent on 17 June 1867.
Things to do
- Look for native animals and birds, including emus, grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, parrots and rare peregrine falcons at the Weddin Mountains National Park.
- See Ben Hall’s Cave, reputed to be the bushranger’s hideout, hidden among ridges and gullies.
- Explore historic buildings decorated in wrought iron lace work on George and Main streets.
Events
- The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts on the June long weekend celebrates the poet Henry Lawson. Highlights include poetry readings, drama performances, art and photography exhibitions and a street parade.
Don’t miss
- Henry Lawson Obelisk, marking the site where the famous poet was born.
- Seaton’s Farm for its original machinery and old world atmosphere.
- Guinea pig races held at least twice a year at a purpose-built track.
- Grenfell Historical Museum, one of the best in New South Wales.
- A giant bust of Henry Lawson on Main Street.
