~ The Macarthur Heritage Directory
~ Camden Heritage Walk
~ Campbelltown Heritage Walk
~ Historic Photograph Database
~ Campbelltown's Streets and Suburbs
~ The Legend of Fisher's Ghost
~ History of Wine in Macarthur
~ History of Wool in Macarthur
~ Camden Park Estate
~ The Macarthur Bicentenary 1806 - 2006
The Macarthur region is rich in Aboriginal and European history. The original inhabitants of the land were the Dharawal people, who's territory covered the area from Botany Bay to the Shoalhaven River and inland to Campbelltown and Camden.
The legend of the Cowpastures explains how European settlers stumbled on the region's fertile farming land. In July 1788, just six months after European arrival, the early settlers lost two bulls and four cows. Almost two years later, the cattle were sighted in the Menangle area. Local Aboriginal people saw the strange animals and sketched them on the walls of sandstone shelters along the Georges River, including a cave now known as 'Bull Cave'.
In January 1806, pioneer farmer, John Macarthur, was officially granted 5000 acres of land in the Cowpastures. It was here that Macarthur made a major contribution to growing the merino wool empire that became a world standard from more than 150 years. The Macarthurs also established wheat growing, dairying and horticulture in the region and planted Australia's first commercial vineyard.
John Macarthur, the namesake of our region, established the Cowpastures as the birthplace of Australia's agricultural industry. Today, the Macarthur region is made up of the vibrant townships of historic Camden, cosmopolitan Campbelltown and rural Wollondilly, and is home to a community of more than 200,000 people.
Macarthur has a unique blend of heritage charms, scenic natural surrounds and modern city delights, and offers a truly exceptional tourism experience. The region, located only 50km southwest of Sydney’s centre, is now attracting thousands of tourists each year.
There are so many experiences available in Macarthur from thrilling adventure, action packed sports, spectacular natural wonders and exceptional historic sites to quality restaurants offering mouth watering cuisine, an eclectic mix of art and cultural facilities and a unique blend of events and festivals.
More than you imagine and closer than you think, the Macarthur region offers something for everyone. Visit Macarthur today!
