Grenfell

Bushranger tales 

Long before gold was discovered at O’Brien’s Hill in 1866, notorious bushrangers, such as Ben Hall and his gang, roamed the hills of Grenfell and the Cowra region. You can explore this history at the Grenfell Historical Museum and follow Ben Hall’s Cave walking track to his secret cave hideout in the Weddin Mountains National Park. 

The historical museum also tells the story of the Grenfell gold rush, with The Big Gold Pick and Pan symbolising the gold fever that struck the region – another of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’. Other things to do include visiting the Historic Grenfell Railway Station and the Chrysler Car Museum. Stop to admire the huge mural painted on the Grenfell Commodities Silo, which pays tribute to the region’s farming traditions. 

Grenfell Commodities Silos, Grenfell

Events & entertainment 

The great Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson was born on the Grenfell goldfields in 1867, or Emu Creek as the tiny settlement was known. Grenfell celebrates its famous son at the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, held every June with writing competitions, poetry performances, live music, rides and market stalls. 

Another fun family event is the annual Grenfell Show, a traditional country agricultural show, held in September. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens of Iandra Castle, a grand heritage-listed homestead open to the public on select days. Visit the Grenfell Art Gallery for exhibitions of talented local artists or download a brochure and look out for brightly coloured beauties along the Weddin Bird Trail. 

Iandra Castle, Greenthorpe - Credit: John Mewett 

Wine, dine & stay 

You’ll be spoiled with local food and wine experiences. Tuck into a hearty country pub meal at the Albion Hotel or Railway Hotel. For coffee and small bites like pies and cakes, head to Unwind or Spannerman Espresso cafes. A little further afield in Cowra, wine and dine among the vines at The Quarry Restaurant, where you can taste local ingredients in seasonal dishes paired with local wines, or book ahead and enjoy a grazing platter and a tasting at Wallington Wines. 

You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Grenfell, from caravan parks and hotels to luxury B&Bs. Get back to nature at the Ben Halls campground in the nearby Weddin Mountains or overnight among Victorian elegance at Grenfell Hall. 

Wallington Wines, Nyrang Creek

Getting there

Grenfell is a 4hr 45min drive from Sydney and 2hr 30min from Canberra. There are also buses that run to Grenfell from Lithgow in the Blue Mountains.