Grenfell is a town of 1,996 in the Central West region of New South Wales.

Understand

The town was built as a service town during the gold rush in the 1800s.

It was the birthplace of Henry Lawson, who was a prolific and famous Australian poet. However, he left while still a baby, and never wrote much about the town. The single poem, "Said Grenfell to my spirit", is never-the-less quaint. You'll have no shortage of places to read the entire poem when you get there, especially during the Henry Lawson Festival, when you'll hear it recited.

Get in

The NSW Trainlink coach has daily connections with the Sydney train at Bathurst.

By car along the mid-western highway, past Cowra.

See

• 1 Chrysler Car Museum, 46 Main St, ☏ +61 427 926 246. A small museum for car enthusiasts. Chryslers from 1930 to the present day are on display. The owner Jeff is very knowledgeable and passionate about cars. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 Grenfell Railway Station, West St. The remains of the terminus station of the now-closed Koorawatha–Grenfell railway line. Services started in 1901, passenger trains would only last until 1974. The remains of the station is still open to the public, though it is not used for the coach services that replaced the railway line. (updated Sep 2024)
• 3 Henry Lawson Obelisk, Lawson Drive. Commemorates the birthplace of the famous bush poet who lived from 1867 to 1922. There are a number of plaque inscriptions on the obelisk detailing his achievements and containing extracts from his works. (updated Mar 2021)

Do

Events

• Henry Lawson Festival. Held annually on the June long weekend, featuring the Guinea Pig Races.

Eat

• Happy Inn Chinese Restaurant, 27 Main St, ☏ +61 2 6343 1366. (updated Sep 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Garden Room Bed & Breakfast, 42 Warraderry St, ☏ +61 427 437 156. (updated Sep 2021)

Go next

• See the gardens and museums of Cowra.