Grenfell is an historic goldmining town located 372 km west of Sydney, 213 km from Canberra and 384 metres above sea-level. It sits on the western plains, surrounded by canola fields and cattle and sheep farms.

Originally called Emu Creek, Grenfell was formally proclaimed on 1st January 1867 after then Gold Commissioner, John Granville Grenfell. who was tragically shot by bushrangers in 1866.

The poet and short story writer, Henry Lawson, was born on the nearby goldfields at Emu Creek.

The rugged nearly Weddin Mountains are where famous bushrangers, including Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert and Frank Gardiner hung out. Gold attracted the 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.

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. The vein was discovered by Corneluis O'Brien when herding sheep.