Grenfell

 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.

Today, 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.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

• The town is located on the western plains, surrounded by canola fields and cattle and sheep farms
• Grenfell is a historic gold-mining town and birthplace of poet Henry Lawson
• The Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts on the June long weekend clebrates the poet Henry Lawson. Some of the many highlights include poetry readings, drama performances, art and photography exhibitions and a street parade
• Grenfell is only a 45 minute drive from Young

MAKE SURE WHEN YOU ARE IN GRENFELL YOU CONSIDER...

• Keeping an eye out for native animals and birds, including emus, grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, parrots and rare peregrine falcons at the Weddin Mountains National Park
• Seeing Ben Hall’s Cave, reputed to be the bushranger’s hideout, hidden among ridges and gullies
• Exploring historic buildings decorated in wrought iron lace work on George and Main street
• Passing by the Henry Lawson Obelisk, marking the site where the famous poet was born
• Visiting Seaton’s Farm for its original machinery and old world atmosphere
• Holding onto your hat at the Guinea pig races, held at least twice a year at a purpose-built track
• Spending time at the Grenfell Historical Museum, one of the best in New South Wales.
• Spotting the giant bust of Henry Lawson on Main Street.