Surveyor George Evans crossed the plains in 1813 naming them OConnell Plains. However, the quaint village of OConnell was not settled until the 1820s, when the Sydney Road passed through the valley. The famous OConnell Hotel was built in 1865.

More recently though (in 1974), the village was classified by the National Trust as the OConnell Urban Conservation Area and is listed in the register of the National Estate.

Present OConnell is a picturesque setting for relaxing or romantic outings for couples or for the family. It is situated 18kms south east of Bathurst What to Do & See See the historic buildings dating from the 1820s when OConnell was considered an important staging post on the main western road to Bathurst. Visit the historic OConnell Hotel, restored and extended with its beer garden and original old oak tree.

An important feature of this eye-catching village is the Memorial Avenue where 120 Desert Ash trees were planted in 1925-1927 to commemorate the locals who fought and lost their lives in WW1. Alternatively you can take a picnic basket down to the Fish River and enjoy a relaxing afternoon swimming, sun baking and exploring the riverbank.

Facilities/Services Facilities in the area include picnic spots and a hotel with pub meals and rooms to rent. Other accommodation styles include a B & B and self contained cabins. OConnell is situated between Oberon and Bathurst Regional Council areas.