[3] Rydal is located about 154 kilometres (96 mi) west of the state capital, Sydney and 22 kilometres (14 mi) west from the city of Lithgow about 6 km off the Great Western Highway.

First settled in the 1820s, Rydal was located on Major Mitchell's main road to Bathurst, and was a busy village through the mid-1800s and early 1900s.

The Equestrian events are a big drawcard, as well as displays of local produce, art, photography and cooking.

Four wheel driving, trail biking and motor biking is popular in the nearby Lidsdale State Forest and Marrangaroo National Park, and fishing in the nearby Coxs River and Lake Lyell.

Rydal Village Association have provided some pleasant parks for picnics, and a heritage walk past some of the historic buildings and points of interest.