Grenfell Tourism

Have you been?

Grenfell is situated in the Weddin Shire in central New South Wales. Less than half a day’s drive from Sydney and approximately two hour’s drive from Canberra, Dubbo, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga.

Grenfell is steeped in history and much of its old world character has been maintained. Lacework and veranda posts feature on many Main Street buildings, exuding an old fashioned charm that can’t be recaptured by busier, larger towns. Originally known as Emu Creek, Grenfell welcomes visitors and allows them to soak up the atmosphere of days gone by and to re-live the nostalgia of a time when life moved at a more leisurely pace.

Grenfell is the birthplace of Henry Lawson, one of Australia’s most famous poets, who wrote short stories like the slapstick Loaded Dog and the moving Drovers Wife. The Henry Lawson Festival, held on the June long weekend, celebrates Grenfell’s famous son, Henry Lawson, born on a Grenfell goldfield in 1867. Highlights of the festival include poetry and drama, art and photography exhibitions, street parade and carnival, guinea pig races, fun run, wood chop and entertainment for all ages over the long weekend. A monument to Lawson now shaded by a sugar gum planted by his daughter, Bertha, is located two minutes drive from the town centre and a bust with audio of some of his poems is situated in Main Street.

Grenfell has an annual calendar of tourism event with other highlights including Caragabal Sheep Races, Pinnacle Guinea Pig Races, Loaded Dog Jockey Club Races, Picnic Races, Grenfell Show, Tour De Greenethorpe, Grenfell Gold Fest, the Grenfell Art Gallery with a constantly changing program of exhibitions, Walllangreen Sculpture Garden, Iandra Castle as well as a range of community events including open gardens, ‘open mic’ nights, dances, sporting competitions, market days, quiz nights and much more.