The Macarthur region is rich in Aboriginal and Eurpean history. The original inhabitants of the land were the Dharawal people, who's territory covered the area from Botany Bay to the Shoalhaven 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, where the original six cattle had flourished, expanding in to a herd of more than 60. Local Aboriginal people saw them 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 for 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.

From it's beginnings as the birthplace of the nation's wealth, the Macarthur region has grown and flourished. Today, Macarthur is a region rich in character and steeped in history, exuding its colourful and complex heritage at every turn.