GRENFELL - NEW SOUTH WALES

Originally named Emu Creek, Grenfell was named after the then Gold Commissioner, John Granville Grenfell in 1867. The honour didn't do him a lot of good as he was later gunned down by bushrangers who frequented the area during the goldrush of the 1850s and 60s. Grenfell was the birthplace of poet Henry Lawson in June, 1867. It is located at the base of the Weddin Mountains National Park which rises above the surrounding plains. The mountains are south of Grenfell and were the hideaway for notorious bushrangers including the Frank Gardiner and Ben Hall gangs. The main street of the town is now by-passed by the Mid-Western Highway, but it should not be missed by travellers. Many of the original buildings, with ornate lace-work and verandahs, have been retained to preserve the impressive streetscape. Gold was discovered locally in 1886 but the 'Rush' was short-lived. The town is now sustained by rural industries which spread over the rich agricultural land of the region. The Grenfell Motel, hotels and a caravan park west of town, accommodate visitors. Much of historic interest can be found in the Historic Museum in Camp St. which adjoins the highway at the intersection with the main street. PLACES OF INTEREST: Historic Museum The Weddin Mountains National Park Grenfell Museum Henry Lawson's Birthplace O'Briens Lookout Taylor Park ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION Exchange Hotel Grenfell Motel FOOD Happy Inn Chinese Restaurant Lawson On Main Licensed Restaurant Grenfell Quality Meats (Butcher) AUTOMOTIVE BP Grenfell Service Station Peter Mellon Motors INFORMATION CENTRE: Grenfell Tourist Information Centre Main St., Grenfell. NSW. 02 6343 1612 HOW TO GET THERE: By car along the Great Western Hwy. Light Plane Coach or Rail

© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins 2007