Grenfell

Tucked into the beautiful Lachlan Valley, Grenfell is a fascinating gold rush town with great galleries, historic buildings and superb country pubs. There are also many events celebrating the town’s rich history and culture, as well as its most famous son.

Events and entertainment

The town celebrates the great Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson, born in the Grenfell goldfields in 1867, at the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts. This wonderful family event held every June features writing and photography competitions, poetry performances, live music, rides and market stalls.

Another event full of family fun is the annual Grenfell Show, a traditional agricultural show. There’s also rodeo, picnic races, a kart race and open days at Iandra Castle, a heritage-listed homestead. The Grenfell Art Gallery regularly hosts exhibitions of talented local artists.

Bushranger tales

Even before gold was discovered at O’Brien’s Hill in 1866, bushrangers such as Ben Hall and his gang roamed this part of the Cowra region. You can explore this history on the Ben Hall’s Cave walking track, in the Weddin Mountains National Park, and at the Grenfell Historical Museum.

The museum also tells the story of the Grenfell gold rush, with one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ – The Big Gold Pick and Pan – symbolising the gold fever that struck the region. Other things to do include visiting the Historic Grenfell Railway Station and the Chrysler Car Museum.

Wine and dine

You’ll be spoiled with local food and wine experiences. Wine and dine amongst the vines at The Quarry Restaurant, where you can taste local ingredients paired with a cellar door list. Tuck into a hearty country pub meal at the Albion Hotel or Railway Hotel.

Getting there and where to stay

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. You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Grenfell, from caravan parks and hotels to luxury B&Bs.