Camden

The story

In the 1790s, cattle that had strayed from the first British settlement were found grazing on these river flats, and the area became known as the Cowpastures. In 1805 John Macarthur was granted land here for Camden Park, where he and his wife Elizabeth bred the merino sheep that helped build Australia’s wool industry. The town of Camden was laid out on Macarthur land in 1840.

What to see

• Argyle Street: the main street, lined with heritage shopfronts, cafés and pubs.
• St John’s Church: the Anglican church on the hill, built in the 1840s, with a lych gate and wide views over the town.
• Camden Museum: run by local volunteers, with collections on the town’s farming, families and early days. Check opening days before you go.
• The Nepean River: riverside parks and walking paths along the flats that once flooded the town.
• Camden Park and Belgenny Farm: the Macarthur estate south of town, where the farm buildings at Belgenny date from the 1820s. Both open to the public only at certain times.

Tips

• Book a dawn balloon flight and finish with breakfast in town.
• The Australian Botanic Garden is about 10 minutes away.
• Camden has no train station. The nearest are at Campbelltown and Leppington, with buses to town.
• Stay a night in a B&B or farm stay. See where to stay.