Grenfell

Wedge-tailed eagle, Dave Watts / Auscape International

Population 1991

Nestled at the foot of the Weddin Mountains, Grenfell is best known as the birthplace of writer Henry Lawson. The wealth appropriated during the days of the gold rush is evident in the opulent original buildings on Main Street. Originally named Emu Creek, the town was renamed after Gold Commissioner John Granville Grenfell, who was gunned down by bushrangers.

Visitor Information

CWA Craft Shop and Visitors Centre, 68 Main St; (02) 6343 1612

www.grenfell.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • Blue Mountains National Park

    Blue Mountains National Park presents an astounding and unique landscape to its millions of visitors. The terrain ripples and folds, a...more

  • Kosciuszko National Park

    Kosciuszko National Park embraces the majestic grandeur of the high country. This is one of the world’s great national parks with its...more

  • Kanangra–Boyd National Park

    Kanangra–Boyd National Park’s majestic landscape of wild rivers and waterfalls, mountainous terrain and deep gorges is rimmed...more

Nearby towns

  • Young NSW

    Young is an attractive town in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range with a fascinating history of goldmining. The Lambing...more

  • Cowra

    Cowra is nestled in the Lachlan Valley, where you can enjoy local food and wine. The peaceful air of this town on the Lachlan River belies...more

  • Eugowra

    Situated on the rich basin of the Lachlan River, Eugowra is a tiny country town known for its crafts. Nearby on the Orange–Forbes road,...more

In Town

Henry Lawson Obelisk: memorial on the site of the house where the poet is believed to have been born; next to Lawson Park on the road to Young. Grenfell Museum: local relics (and their stories) from world wars, the gold rush, Henry Lawson and bushrangers; open weekends 2–4pm; Camp St. O'Brien's Reef Lookout: views of the town on a gold-discovery site with walkway and picnic facilities; access from O'Brien St. Weddin Bird Trails: unique Grenfell birdlife; maps from visitors centre. Historic buildings: walk and drive tours; brochures from visitor centre.

Nearby

Weddin Mountains National Park The park is a rugged crescent of cliffs and gullies providing superb bushwalking, camping and picnicking spots. Two of the highlights of the bushwalks are Ben Hall's Cave, where the bushranger hid from the police, and Seaton's Farm, a historic homestead set on beautiful parkland. The bush is also rich with fauna including wedge-tailed eagles, honeyeaters and wallabies. 18 km SW.

Company Dam Nature Reserve: excellent bushwalking area; 1 km NW. Site of Ben Hall's farmhouse and stockyards: memorial; Sandy Creek Rd, off Mid Western Hwy; 25 km W.

Fishing spots near town

Wagga Wagga 151 km

In my early teens I lived in Wagga Wagga for about three years and spent many hours fishing from a kayak on the Murrumbidgee and at Lake Albert. The river held excellent numbers of redfin, and they were of good size, so... Find out more


Lithgow to Mudgee 185 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more


Yaouk Valley 222 km

It was late autumn 1997 when I  arrived in Canberra to fish with  the late Chris Hole, fly-fisherman,  author and painter. Chris offered  to take me to some of his favourite trout streams that snake... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Birdwatching in Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands 151 km

Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands are Ramsar-listed, and among nearly 200 birds spotted here are brolgas, black-winged stilts and painted snipes. Fivebough has 5 kilometres of walking tracks, with bird hides along the... Find out more


Koala-spotting - Narrandera 176 km

Koalas have thrived at Narrandera since they were released in 1972. At Narrandera Nature Reserve you should be able to spot a few.... Find out more


Picnicking around Canberra 176 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more


Picnicking around Dubbo 188 km

Throw a rug down in the 167-hectare Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum near Wellington, and take in the fragrance of an estimated 2500 native plant species.... Find out more


Wine-tasting - Mudgee 196 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more


Ice-climbing 200 km

In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out more


Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 213 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more


Burrowa–Pine Mountain National Park 248 km

Located near the New South Wales border, 430 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, and one of Victoria’s lesser-known national parks, this has some remarkable features. The granitic Pine Mountain is one of the... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 178 km

When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out more


Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 240 km

As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 177 km

Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out more


William Bull Brewery 191 km

The high-profile, family-run De Bortoli Wines diversifying into craft beer has been one of the longest-running stories around. In the late 1990s they acquired a brewhouse that originally belonged to the ... Find out more


Campsites around town

Holy Camp camping area 15 km

This is a nice, shaded spot 15 km west of Grenfell via Holy Camp Rd. From the camp you can do the Euladrie walk, which follows an old logging road to the base of the escarpment and then climbs steeply to Peregrine... Find out more


Ben Halls camping area 20 km

The grassy unpowered campsites here are set beside historic Seatons Farm, and just a half-hour walk from Ben Halls Cave. The farm is a well-preserved Depression-era farm, with interpretive signs that give a... Find out more


Wallaby picnic and camping area 28 km

Take a walk along the Wallaby Walking Track (4 km, 1 hr, medium difficulty) and you may catch a glimpse of a red-necked wallaby or swamp wallaby. Alternatively, sneak out at night with a torch and see if you can catch... Find out more


Terarra Creek camping area 61 km

To get to this sole camping area in the park, follow Escort Way from Eugowra and keep an eye out for an NPWS sign pointing to a dirt road. The campground is a little under 5 km from the park entrance. The road is 2WD,... Find out more


Wyangala Waters camping area 74 km

This is a sprawling space on the shores of Wyangala Dam, offering powered and unpowered tent sites, bungalows, cabins, cottages and houseboats. Activities include waterskiing, sailing and fishing – the latter a... Find out more


Grabine Lakeside State Park camping area 80 km

Grabine Lakeside State Park is on the north-eastern banks of the Wyangala Dam, 75 km north-west of Crookwell along the Crookwell–Bathurst Rd, or from Goulburn along Bigga Rd. The park offers endless boating,... Find out more


Bakers Shaft Reserve 87 km

This camping area is around 20 km west of the historic town of Carcoar. Follow the Mid-Western Hwy through Mandurama, and about 10 km north you’ll come across Burnt Yards; take Bakes Rd then Junction Park Rd. This... Find out more


Canobolas Forest Park 88 km

This is a peaceful picnicking and camping area surrounded by a 60-year-old pine forest. There are picnic tables, walking tracks, and trout in the creek nearby. It’s 20 km south of Orange via Cadia Rd then Four Mile... Find out more


Federal Falls camping area 97 km

The road in to Federal Falls camping area isn’t suitable for caravans or camper trailers, although 2WD vehicles are permitted. To get here, follow Pinnacle Rd from Orange and turn onto Towac Way. There are a number... Find out more


Carcoar Dam camping area 99 km

Carcoar is a small and picturesque town, 12 km south-west of Blayney. On the National Heritage list for being the third-oldest settled village west of the Blue Mountains, it certainly has a ye olde feel to it. The dam is... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Apex Riverside Tourist Park 56 km

The park is about 3 km from the town centre on a picturesque bend of the Lachlan River, which some sites overlook. It is managed on behalf of Apex and is of good quality.... Find out more


BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park 57 km

This is a very neat owner-operated park, about 2 km from the centre of town on Cowra Road. The park caters predominantly for tourists and has good amenities and most facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park 58 km

Located about 2 km south of Forbes along the highway, this owner-operated park is a convenient and ideal overnight stop. It has shady trees, large expanses of lawn and spotless amenities. We stay here when passing by.... Find out more


Spicer Caravan Park 85 km

This is a budget-priced, council-owned park with good basic facilities, about 2 km from the town centre. It is in a quiet spot, off the main highway, about 16 km from the Parkes satellite dish. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Ace Caravan Park 89 km

This is an owner-operated park with a good choice of accommodation. The park is just 500 metres from the town centre and easily accessible from the major highways.... Find out more


Colour City Caravan Park 112 km

This is a council park with good basic facilities in a quiet, off-highway position, about 2 km north of the city centre, adjoining the showgrounds. It is good value at a budget price. Bookings are recommended all year... Find out more


Yass Caravan Park 125 km

The park is just 1 km from the town centre and is a popular overnight stop for those travelling the Hume Highway. There are convenient drive-thru sites, grassy areas and clean amenities. Bookings may be required during... Find out more


Gundagai Tourist Park 130 km

Within walking distance of the town centre, this park has 30 undercover, drivethru, ensuite sites. It is ideal for vans or motorhomes less than 3.5 metres high. Some of these sites are suitable for camper trailers with... Find out more


Peak Hill Caravan Park 130 km

This owner-operated park offers a range of accommodation and is ideal for an overnight stay. It is a small, budget-priced park, located off the main highway and just a short walk from the town centre. The owners supply... Find out more


Gundagai River Caravan Park 131 km

Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, the park is about 1 km from the town centre. First impressions are the wide expanses of green grass and large shady trees. It is a great spot to stay and enjoy this... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Clonturkle Sanctuary 162 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more


Jenolan Cabins 169 km

These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out more


Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 196 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more


Kanimbla View, Blackheath 197 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more


Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 197 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more


Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 201 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more


Old Leura Dairy 201 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more


Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 207 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more


Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 216 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Grenfell West Rest Area 2 km

102 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 2 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 53.425 E148 08.743 ... Find out more


Bogolong Rest Area 8 km

95 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 9 km W of Grenfell (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 50.982 E148 05.447   ... Find out more


Ben Halls Cave Camp Area 20 km

T/O 99 km E of West Wyalong (R) or 5 km W of Grenfell (L) Large open area located 26 kilometres south-west of the highway via Back Piney Range Road and Weddin View Road in a pleasant natural bush setting in Weddin... Find out more


Piney Range Rest Area 21 km

82 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 22 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 48.917 E147 57.204  ... Find out more


Tyagong Creek Rest Area 28 km

31 km E of Grenfell (R) or 24 km W of Cowra (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.096 E148 27.977 ... Find out more


Cowra Park Area 48 km

Middle of town Large parking area opposite the information centre. GPS: S33 50.200 E148 40.919 ... Find out more


Ramage Park Rest Area 51 km

5 km NE of Cowra (R) or 104 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S33 49.787 E148 42.614   ... Find out more


Forbes Rest Area 58 km

South side of town Large area on the riverbank 500 metres north-west of the highway past the Forbes Lake Motel. Good shade. Facilities at adjacent day use area. GPS: S33 23.292 E148 00.110... Find out more


Marsden Rest Area 62 km

36 km NE of West Wyalong (R) or 68 km W of Grenfell (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 45.846 E147 31.126   ... Find out more


Billabong Creek Rest Area 76 km

23 km N of Forbes (R) or 10 km S of Parkes (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 12.531 E148 07.473 ... Find out more


Wyalong Park Area 86 km

West side of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S33 55.440 E147 14.127 ... Find out more


Poppett Head Mine Park Area 86 km

3 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 101 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 55.493 E147 14.017... Find out more


Fullers Lane Rest Area 98 km

60 km NE of Cowra (R) or 49 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 35.890 E149 09.927 ... Find out more


Carcoar Dam Camp Area 99 km

T/O 62 km NE of Cowra (R) or 47 km SW of Bathurst (L) Large camp area located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the shores of the dam. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 36.717 E149 10.864 ... Find out more


Blayney Park Area 109 km

West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 32.263 E149 15.254... Find out more


Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 110 km

30 km NW of Orange (R) or 4 km SE of Molong (L) Small grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 07.26 E148 54.31  ... Find out more


Molong Park Area 110 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 05.966 E148 52.297... Find out more


Bookham Rest Area 111 km

32 km W of Yass (L) or 113 km NE of Tarcutta (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 48.849 E148 38.503 ... Find out more


Gamboola Rest Area 113 km

17 km NW of Orange (L) or 17 km SE of Molong (R) Small area just off the highway. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 09.44 E149 00.36... Find out more


Coolac Rest Area 116 km

87 km SW of Yass (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 56.514 E148 10.511  ... Find out more


Beckom Rest Area 117 km

78 km N of Narrandera (L) or 58 km SW of West Wyalong (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 20.219 E147 00.923... Find out more


Macquarie Wood Camp Area 119 km

T/O 28 km W of Bathurst (R) or 28 km E of Orange (L) Large open grassed area located 2 kilometres north of the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 24.34... Find out more


Mingay Rest Area 120 km

56 km NE of Tarcutta (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 58.741 E148 08.281 ... Find out more


The Rocks Rest Area 124 km

20 km W of Bathurst (R) or 36 km E of Orange (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S33 25.56 E149 22.48  ... Find out more


Bell River Rest Area 128 km

23 km N of Molong (R) or 42 km S of Wellington (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 54.712 E148 53.429  ... Find out more


Mundoonan Rest Area 133 km

64 km W of Goulburn (L) or 23 km E of Yass (L) Large areas well off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 49.462 E149 04.468 ... Find out more


Two Mile Creek Rest Area 137 km

32 km N of Molong (L) or 33 km S of Wellington (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 50.029 E148 54.404... Find out more


Ardlethan Rest Area 137 km

54 km N of Narrandera (L) or 82 km SW of West Wyalong (L) Large areas (both sides) adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 26.832 E146 50.372... Find out more


Weethalle Rest Area 142 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 52.520 E146 37.539... Find out more


Tomingley South Rest Area 144 km

64 km N of Parkes (R) or 56 km S of Dubbo (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 35.698 E148 13.176 ... Find out more


What's on around town

Guinea Pig Races: Easter and June.

Henry Lawson Festival of Arts: June.

Amateur Country Music Festival: Sept.

Open Day: Oct.

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