The village, classified by the National Trust of Australia, is 23 kilometres from Oberon on the O'Connell Road.

By the end of 1836 the road, now the Great Western Highway, was diverted and traffic proceeded via Rydal and Yetholme.

In 1813 George Evans crossed the Blue Mountains to confirm the findings of the exploration party of Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth.

[2][3] Evans wrote of O'Connell Plains: "...this Morning had a better appearance; the river now forms large ponds; at the Space of about a Mile I came on a fine Plain of rich Land, the handsomest Country I ever saw; it surpasseth Port Dalrymple; this place is worth speaking of as good and beautiful; the Track of clear land occupies about a Mile on each side of the River; I have named it after the Lieut.

The existing hotel at O'Connell was built in 1865 and today is a popular meeting place in pleasant surroundings.