The historic Macarthur District encompasses the districts of Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly, and is the perfect blend of the old and new. The vitality and colour of modern, contemporary life is played out against a glorious backdrop of some of the State’s best natural features and heritage properties. And all within easy reach of Greater Sydney.
The district’s history stretches back to the earliest days of the colony of New South Wales. Beautiful, rolling green farming country on the edge of Old Sydney Town attracted the first settlers and this picturesque country setting still charms and entices today.
Further information about the Macarthur district and each of the Local Government areas may be obtained by visiting the Local Council Websites:
Campbelltown City Council
Camden Council
Wollondilly Shire Council
The Macarthur district is located in the state of New South Wales and covers an area of 3067 square kilometres. It has a population approaching 240,000 and has some 17,600 businesses operating in the district. Ideally located on major transport corridors, the district is within half an hour's travel to Sydney, Wollongong and international sea and airports. The district has a diversity of business enterprises, including manufacturing, farming, service industries and mining.
The rich farming heritage of the Macarthur district can be traced back to as early as 1795 when Governor Hunter went in search of stray cattle and found them settled by the Nepean River, in an area he later named The Cowpastures, a name which is still in use today.
When John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth Macarthur were granted 5000 acres in November 1805 of the best pasture land in the colony, he promptly selected The Cowpastures and proceeded to establish Camden Park Estate, which became one of the finest estates in the nation. John and Elizabeth Macarthur at Camden Park Estate were responsible for establishing the first commercial activities for the production of Wine, Wool and Wheat for the new colony.
There’s a lifetime of things to see and do in the Macarthur district.
Visitors in search of an authentic Australian experience will find plenty of attractions in the Macarthur district. The Macarthur district, rich in its historic origins and vast geographical boundaries will unveil many scenic journeys of discovery.
Lovers of the great Australian outdoors will be enthralled by the beauty and mysticism of the Macarthur district’s many national parks and wildlife trails. The Macarthur district is uniquely situated on the Georges River and Upper Nepean Water Catchment and in most parts you will discover that the terrain has been preserved by the National Heritage Trust.
Read the Visitors Guide to Bushwalking in the Macarthur Area
Burke Street
Appin NSW
A delightful walk beside a meandering creek that flows into the Georges River, listen to the birds and follow the well constructed pathway. Take the opportunity to visit some of the side tracks that run off the main track. Who knows what you will discover, but don't get lost!!
Georges River Road
Kentlyn NSW
Visit the remnants of the old Freres bridge that use to cross the Georges River. Enjoy the sounds of the Australian bush, listen to the laughing kookaburra or the lyrebird. Keep an eye out for Koalas and echidnas, possums and wallabies.
Rockford Road
Tahmoor NSW
An amazing oasis in the Australian bush. Magnificent towering cliffs, a waterfall and a deep waterhole complete the spectacular scenery
Golf has always been regarded as a great sport for relaxation. As you put your clubs into the boot of the car and venture out to the Macarthur district for a game on one of the district's six acclaimed golf courses, breathe in some fresh country air.
From the moment you set foot on 'the green' the pressures of city life will be far behind you. The vast open spaces and lush rural surrounds will engulf you as you experience the uniqueness of each course, its location and design.
Hume Highway
Picton NSW
Antill offers a challenging 18 hole golf course with fairways that are in excellent condition.
The course offers a bistro that is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Weekends. Dinner is available on Friday nights.
If you are looking for that idllyic little place for a function or conference look no further.
Opens Daily:
Golf Course: 7:00am - 6:00pm
Bistro: 9:00am - 11:00pm
50 Lodges Road
Narellan NSW
Established in 1950 at its permanent site at Studley Park after occupying several sites in and around Camden since the 1930s, Camden Golf Club enjoys a superb location. Studley Park House is a commanding feature overlooking the Golf Course affording wonderful views of the surrounding area and distant Blue Mountains.
Camden Golf Club is an equal opportunity golf club affording full membership to men and women. The course is a 5,904 metre Par 71 (NSWGA Rating 70) for men and a 5,435 metre Par 73 (AWCR Rating 73) for women offering an excellent test of skills to all standards of player.
Opens Daily:
Golf Course: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Bistro: 9:00am - 11:30pm
50 Raby Road
Catherine Fields NSW
Established in 1993, Camden Lakeside Country Club has become one of Sydney's top Resort Golf Course and Function Centre facility.
Camden Lakeside is a par 72 course of 6400 metres which is rated 74 by the AGU. Already this group one course has been listed in the top ten (N.S.W.) courses. Three tee positions are available to suit players of different ability and six tiger tees are also available for the adventurous low marker.
The clubhouse is open for lunch every day offering guests the option of either the daily blackboard menu or a la carte menu that both change on a regular basis.
Opens Daily:
Bistro: 9:00am - 11:00pm
Restaurant: 5:00pm - 11.30pm
Camden is the home of some 33 heritage registered buildings. These historic treasures range from early farm buildings and homesteads to majestic 19th Century homes.
77 Argyle Street
Camden NSW
This was formerly the Plough and Harrow built as a single-storey inn by Samuel Arnold circa 1850-51. Samuel Arnold was brought to work at Camden Park by the Macarthurs in 1837.
In 1841 he established a wheelwright business on the corner of Hill and Argyle Street, later building the Plough and Harrow opposite in Argyle Street.
The building’s appearance has altered over the years but the old columns remaining along the footpath clearly indicate its early beginnings. It is still used for the purpose for which it was built.
Inn & Bistro Opens Daily:
10:00am - 11:00pm.
Camden Park Estate
Elizabeth Macarthur Ave,
Camden NSW
Belgenny Farm, "Birthplace of Australia’s Agriculture", has the most historic group of farm buildings in the country. The earliest building on this site built circa 1806 was a simple slab and bark hut situated a few hundred yards north of the old Belgenny Cottage. Belgenny Cottage was built in several stages, the earliest dating 1820 from a design by Henry Kitchen. It is here that John Macarthur died in 1834.
Belgenny was the home farm for the Camden Park Estate and it is here that the Macarthur flocks were brought. James and William Macarthur continued their parents’ work, bringing to the colony many new plants and trees. Orchards and vineyards were established with great success. The descendants of the original Macarthur flocks are at Belgenny and the vineyard again produces wine. Belgenny remains a working farm.
Opens Daily:
10:00am - 4:00pm
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