The Nepean River is one of the major placemaking features of the Camden area, creating a unique landform defined by the river channel, the floodplain, and the gorges.
The floodplain encircles the Camden town area, creating an open space that surrounds the township.
Flooding
One of the defining characteristics of the local settlement pattern is the effect of flooding by the Nepean River.
The Nepean River in flood in 1925 outside the milk depot on Argyle Street with a gathering crowd on the railway line and Elderslie in the far distance. The river channel is on the far side of the image, beyond the buildings. (Camden Images)
The Weirs
The Nepean River has several compensation weirs built in the early 20th century by the NSW water authorities. These include the Camden Weir and the Cobbitty Weir.
Camden Weir in 1917 with local folk canoeing and swimming. The weir is downstream from the Cowpasture Bridge. (Camden Images)
The Yewen family at the Cobbitty Weir in 1945 (Camden Images)
Recreation
From the 19th century onwards, the river has been the centre of entertainment and local sports, including swimming, canoeing, and simply enjoying the water.
This is a postcard sold by OV Coleman around 1905. The title of the postcard is The Bridge. Camden Nepean River upstream of the Cowpasture Bridge with local folk canoeing on the river on a water body formed by the Camden Weir. Canoeing is still a popular pastime on this section of the river (The Bridge, OV Coleman, No151, c1905, CIPP).
Swimming was a popular pastime in the Nepean River. These images show the winners of a swimming carnival at Little Sandy in the 1930s, which was one of the favourite swimming spots. Little Sandy remained a popular spot for teaching swimming, hosting carnivals, and other recreational activities until the Camden War Memorial Pool was opened on 12 December 1964. (Camden Images)
Aesthetic appeal
The Nepean River has an appeal due to its aesthetic qualities as a water body.
The beauty of the Nepean River defies explanation and might be the situation for this canoeist in 2021. (I Willis)
Water Supply
Until town water was supplied from Kenny Hill, the townsfolk drew water from the river for drinking.
Farming and Irrigation
The Nepean River and its floodplain have been a site for agriculture.
A foggy morning just before dawn on the Nepean River floodplain at Elderslie, showing irrigation infrastructure used to water the turf farm. (I Willis 2021)
The local Chinese market gardeners utilised the floodplain for intensive horticulture, supported by irrigation infrastructure that drew water from the river.
