About Camden
A country town on the Nepean River that’s become one of Sydney’s fastest-growing areas.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land in the Camden area, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The Cowpastures
In 1795, cattle that had strayed from the young colony at Sydney were found grazing by the Nepean River, and the area became known as the Cowpastures. The name lives on in Cowpasture Road, Cowpasture Bridge and plenty of local businesses.
The Macarthurs and Camden Park
In 1805 John Macarthur was granted 5,000 acres at the Cowpastures. He named the estate Camden Park after his sponsor, Lord Camden. The Macarthur family farmed sheep, cattle and vines there, and Belgenny Farm, part of the old Camden Park estate, is now heritage listed and open to visitors.
The town
The first lots in the new town of Camden went on sale in 1840, and the post office opened in 1841. St John’s Church still looks down over the town from the hill, and Argyle Street keeps much of its heritage character, with cafés, pubs and independent shops.
Camden today
The old town is now surrounded by new suburbs such as Oran Park, Gregory Hills and Harrington Park, and the area has grown fast. It still has a strong country feel, with the annual Camden Show, farm gates, the river, and the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan.
Suburbs
Want to know more?
- Camden History Notes: a local historian’s blog
- Camden on Wikipedia
- Camden Council: bins, rates, DAs and council services