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Our History
The history of our region began over 40,000 years ago and is contained in the continuing culture of the T’harawal people. The land still contains reminders of their past lives in rock engravings, cave paintings, axe grinding grooves and shell middens. Their culture also remains in the surviving songs, stories and descendants. The lands of the T’harawal language Nation extended from approximately Botany Bay to Shoalhaven and to the foothills of the mountain ranges. The principal symbol of the T’harawal nation is the lyrebird.
European history began in 1788 shortly after settlement at Sydney Cove, when the colony’s entire herd of cattle (four cows and two bulls) strayed from their enclosure and were lost. In 1795 a herd of 61 cattle were discovered on the land between the Nepean and Georges rivers. This area was to become known as the Cowpastures – and was deemed a restricted area to provide ongoing protection for the herd.
 In 1803 John Macarthur (seen right with his wife Elizabeth) was granted 5000 acres at Cowpastures and began grazing Merino sheep. He also began Australia’s dairy industry and his sons later introduced viticulture, fruit growing and wheat.
The Macarthur region – as Cowpastures is now known – became a ‘hub’ for growth and the birthplace of our nation’s wealth.
The region is steeped in history with statesmen, adventurers, larrikins and villains all having an association with the Macarthur region. Much of the history, heritage and culture can be experienced today by travelling to Macarthur and visiting its many celebrated heritage sites. Macarthur is fast becoming a vibrant tourist destination, renowned for its living heritage, adventure tourism and true Australian experiences.
Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly Local Government Areas make up the Macarthur region. This region is generally regarded as the area where the city of Sydney meets its rural countryside.
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