Camden Acres and it's History

The Camden Acres locality is steeped in rich history - why not spend a day touring it's surrounds, and explore the historic places and buildings that exist.

The Macarthurs, after whom the area is named, lived at what is now Belgenny Farm, not far from Camden Acres. Belgenny Farm dates back to 1805 (after the land was granted to them by Lord Camden).

The Macarthur family first arrived on the shores of Australia in 1790, and were the pioneers in establishing Merino wool production, grape and wheat growing, horticulture and dairy farming. Indeed, it was in the early 1800s that the first commercial vineyard and winery was built at the farm.

At Belgenny Farm, just down from Camden Acres, you can sample wines and take part in the annual Wine Festival, held every September. The home and farm offers an experience that needs to be seen to be believed.

Gledswood Homestead and Winery is also just up the road from Camden Acres, and consists of a homestead built around 1810, on a tranquil setting of iconic Australiana. Sample an Aussie barbeque, and let the kids run around the hilly parklands. Once owned by early pioneers in the wool industry, the Chisholm family, it is now run by people dedicated to preserving farm life of 100 years ago. So pop in and milk a cow, learn how to throw a boomerang, or just relax and try some wines in the old sandstone coach house.

To experience the real country life, call into the Camden Saleyards, where on a Tuesday and Wednesday you can watch (and even take part in!) the weekly livestock auctions. Afterwards stop by the Camden Valley Inn, for a pint in a traditional old English pub, built in the 1930s. Originally built to promote the drinking of milk produced in Camden, it has come a long way from milk bar to watering hole!

There are many other historic buildings close to Camden Acres. Practically at your doorstep is the Camden Visitor Information Centre, built in the 1890s, and believed to be one of a row of similar houses. The centre is located on a pretty spot that was a land grant to John Oxley (Camden Acres being part of the land), and is complete with picnic facilities. With plenty of parking, it is an ideal place to host a birthday party or family get-together.

If horse riding is more to your liking, then the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park is within trotting distance from Camden Acres. Boasting facilities to suit professional as well as amateur riders, the grounds are also available for picnickers and day visitors to the Camden Acres area.

To finish your day of discovery around Camden Acres, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens in Macarthur Park. Featuring a memorial for World War I soldiers and gardens dating back to 1906, it is the ideal spot to pause and relax.