Discover the Nepean River Art Trail

Camden is famous for being he birthplace of Australia’s agriculture. On the land of the Dharug people, The Camden Town Farm, a bequest of a much-loved local resident, is now home to another agricultural celebration. The Nepean River Trail in Camden was funded through the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy project in association with Camden Council and is the first significant public art trail in this part of Greater Western Sydney.

The Nepean River Trail features an impressive array of murals, sculptures, interpretive signs, and installations. Akin to the Centennial Parklands in Sydney, the trail enhances Camden’s connection with the Nepean River including an extension to the Miss Llewella Davies Pioneer Walkway, with the addition of viewing platforms, exercise equipment, interpretive signage, tree planting and Camden’s first official public art trail.

Discover the Nepean River Art Trail, Camden

Showcasing the artwork of 15 artists the trail delivers accessible, authentic art designed to reflect local history, people, and agriculture. This vibrant collection highlights the creativity of 15 artists, offering accessible and genuine art that captures the essence of local history, its people, culture, and the community's agricultural roots.

As you explore, the trail guides you through various walking trails through the Camden Town Farm, Ferguson Land and the adjacent Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park providing not only a scenic journey along the Nepean River but a captivating, memorable day out. The Views back to historic Camden are breathtaking and the history of this area is celebrated in all iterations of the past.

The Dairy Series

Michele Arentz, 2024

Acrylic and spray paint on corrugated iron.

The murals nod to the history of dairy and beef farming on the Camden Town Farm, and acknowledge the history of the farm as one of Camden’s first dairy operations. Whilst ceasing its dairy operation in 2002, the farm remains operational providing pastureland for a small herd of beef cattle.

Miss Davies

Artist Collaboration Michele Arentz, Esther Bolz, Tom Melville,

Belle Mitchell and Tracey Prioste, 2024

Ink drawings on paper, metal photo on aluminium.

Known as Camden’s first lady, Miss Davies was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1981 for her continued leadership within the community. On her passing in 2000, Miss Davies bequeathed Camden Town Farm to the people of Camden. The collaborative artwork celebrates the significant elements of Miss Davies life including her much loved home, farm, and companion Tess.

The Farm Gate

Peter Day, 2024

Cast Bronze Sculpture.

The Farm Gate celebrates rural life by commemorating the historical agricultural land and lifestyle inspired by Camden Community Garden and Produce Market, celebrating the tradition of market gardens on Miss Davies Farm. The sculpture expresses and explores Peter’s thoughts and feelings on landscape, the environment, culture, and society.

River Friends

Kevin Vo, 2024

A series of three galvanised and powder coated steel seats, placed in three locations along the trail.

Symbolising our relationship with nature, the River Friends represent change in the surrounding landscape and the strength of community. The sculptural shapes embody whimsical play, combining nature with functional art.

Viticulture; Cattle; Orchards

Jane Cavanough, 2024

A trio of galvanised, corten and powder coated steel art poles.

Jane’s three art poles celebrate the history of the Macarthur regions’ agriculture. A nod to vineyards, the Cowpastures, and the thriving orchards of the region dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the work explores the relationship between sculpture, community and landscape.

Ngalawadyini Ngurrawa – Source of Survival

Melissa Barton, 2024

A series of five laser cut corten steel panels placed into the concrete path at four intervals along the trail.

Melissa, a Dharug woman, reflects connection to Country with the Nepean River, a source of survival, place of meeting, trade, and ceremony for the custodians of the land.

Sit awhile…

McClellandDrew, 2024

Cast bronze seating.

McClellandDrew’s Sit awhile… evokes an early era of Camden. Placing objects of domestic familiarity in the public realm. Representing historic artefacts translated into art. Visitors recognising the historical artefacts in a new cultural context.

Birds Rest at High Water Mark

Roger Percy, 2024

Galvanised and laser cut corten steel.

Embodying the resilience and harmony of the community the robust pole marks the historic flood levels taken from the Camden Weir embellished with birds sighted regularly within the Town Farm. The base plate of the 12mtr pole is designed to provide passers north, south, east, west bearing, acting as a sundial.

Golden Graze

Sekt Compton (Blackbook Ink)

Spray paint on corrugated steel.

Golden Graze mural highlights the rich agricultural history and natural beauty of the region featuring Ferguson’s signature rose and the iconic Camden ram.

SENTINEL

– Camden White Gum

Graham Chalcroft, 2024

A galvanised, corten, and stainless-steel sculpture with kinetic feature.

An interpretation of the Camden White Gum located along the banks of the Nepean River. The White Gum, a threatened species, grows to a majestic 40m height, Chalcroft uses kinetic motion and sculptural form to reflect the rhythms of wind through tree canopies and the flow of the Nepean River.

Vantage Point

Views to Nepean – Vantage Points

The Nepean River stretches approximately 180km flowing through Camden to join the Grose River just north of Penrith, draining into the Hawkesbury River. The vantage points provide opportunity to capture the raw beauty of the river and surrounding landscape.