Cowpastures Memorial Print Page

The Cowpastures Memorial commemorates the early history of Australia from its dreamtime beginnings to the discovery of the escaped First Fleet wild cattle in the area in 1795. The cattle were later destroyed to make way for the pioneering of the district and the introduction of beef and dairy cattle which formed the basis of the early agricultural industry.

The Camden District is closely associated with the early history of the colony of New South Wales. Its areas were penetrated by white men as far back as 1795. The story of the loss of the early colony's cattle forms part of the early narrative of New South Wales, as those beasts which strayed from Farm Cove led to the discovery of this locality. Early records show that seven years elapsed before news came to Sydney Cove's little settlement of the whereabouts of these missing stock. Rumours and conflicting accounts of the existence of the cattle reached the ears of convicts, and Governor Hunter despatched a party under Henry Hacking to confirm or deny the reports.

The result of this party's investigation so impressed Governor Hunter that he determined to visit the locality to see the cattle and country for himself. With a small party he left Parramatta on 18th November, 1795. After travelling a few days the explorers crossed the Nepean River at a spot near where the Camden Cowpasture Bridge now stands, and there came across a fine herd of over forty cattle. Arrangemants were made for a more complete survey, and in June the following year, Governor Hunter again visited the retreat of the wild cattle, and journeyed through the locality until he and his party ascended the high hill which obtained the name of Mount Hunter, a landmark by that name today.

The name "Cowpastures" by which the locality became known, is due to Governor Hunter, for he marked it on a map drawn by himself and dated 20th August, 1796.

Note: The date on the memorial for the discovery of the First Fleet cattle is 1895. The correct date is 1795.

Location

Address:	Davison Lane , Picton, 2571
State:	NSW
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -34.169844 Long: 150.610355 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Art
Monument Theme:	Landscape
Sub-Theme:	Settlement
Artist:	Joan Brown (sculptor)

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:	2012

Source: MA