Discover Elderslie: history, play and trails

Elderslie offers a range of experiences for your stay: John Oxley Cottage tells the story of a historic land grant, while Rheinbergers Cottage and Herberts Hill Reserve offer historic connections and expansive views. The reserve also has a shared path for walking and cycling. Curry Reserve Water Play Space offers something different for children, with its large splash pad and 36 play features. When looking for a holiday rental, you can decide whether history, activity or water play will shape your plans.

Local history and views

John Oxley Cottage stands on land granted by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to explorer and Surveyor General John Oxley in 1815 and 1816; the cottage was originally part of this land. This connection gives the place a specific historical link to Oxley and Macquarie.

Rheinbergers Cottage and the hill associated with it are in Herberts Hill Reserve in Elderslie. Camden Council’s 2015 management plan recognises their historical significance, based on their connections to significant historic uses and families, as well as the expansive views across the Camden area. Here, historical connections meet far-reaching views across the landscape.

Play and activity

At Camden Valley Way in Elderslie, Curry Reserve Water Play Space offers a large splash pad with 36 play features, as well as inclusive, accessible play for children of all ages. Check seasonal opening hours and access conditions before your visit. This lets you include water play as a distinct focus in your plans, separate from the historical attractions.

The public can use the shared walking and cycling path in Herberts Hill Reserve for walking and cycling. This offers two ways to get active on the same path: on foot or by bike.

Getting your bearings

The Camden Visitor Information Centre is located at John Oxley Cottage, 46 Camden Valley Way, Elderslie. There you can get visitor information, maps and brochures, information about walks and attractions, and personal recommendations. Visitor services may change, so contact the centre before your visit.

More to discover in Camden Council

In the wider Camden Council destination, the Nepean River Trail is another option for walks: the 4.2-kilometre walking trail follows scenic waterways and public art, connecting the Nepean River with Camden’s main street. It also includes Camden’s first public art trail. This distinguishes information about the trail from details about the shared walking and cycling path in Herberts Hill Reserve.

Camden is in the Macarthur region and is recognised as the birthplace of Australia’s wool, wheat and wine industries. The self-guided Heritage Walking Tour takes you past historic buildings and through Camden’s history. Macarthur Park is home to a historic rose garden and the Camden War Memorial.

Camden Town Farm was originally a 52-hectare dairy farm bequeathed to the local community. Today, it is a working livestock farm as well as a recreation area for passive leisure activities. Camden Fresh Produce Markets are held there every Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Check the date before visiting, as the schedule may change.

Choose accommodation to suit your interests

When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish Elderslie’s local attractions from those in the wider Camden Council destination: Elderslie is centred on the historic places mentioned above, water play and the shared path; Camden Council also offers the Nepean River Trail, local history and Town Farm. Guide your search by which of these experiences you want to shape your trip most.

For the wider travel overview: Camden Council.