The park contains the graves of approximately 2,000 people buried there between 1848 and 1948.
It was formally gazetted as a park in 1948 after the cemetery fell into disrepair and was largely cleared of grave markers.
The park preserves the original sandstone walls and ornate gates of the former St. Stephen's Church graveyard.
Many of the headstones remaining in the park were relocated to the perimeter walls during the 1950s.
The site hosts an annual community festival that reflects the bohemian culture of the surrounding Newtown suburb.
The park's hilly geography was originally part of a larger land grant given to William Bligh, the former Governor of New South Wales.
Camperdown Memorial Rest Park is a public recreational space situated on the former grounds of the St. Stephen’s Church cemetery in Newtown. The park retains numerous Victorian-era headstones and mature trees, reflecting its history as a burial ground established in the 1840s. It features a designated off-leash dog area that is widely utilized by the local community. The landscape is characterized by its hilly terrain, providing elevated views of the surrounding urban environment. The space serves as a primary community hub for residents of the Inner West region of Sydney. Its proximity to King Street integrates it into the local dining and retail district. The park is managed by the Inner West Council and maintains its status as an open green space for public use.
The elevated central crest of the park looking back toward the historic church spire and the urban backdrop of Newtown.
Visit on a weekend morning to experience the high volume of local dogs and community activity.
Bring a picnic blanket as there are limited bench seats available throughout the park grounds.
Be mindful of the uneven, hilly terrain when walking across the grassed areas.
Do not lean on or attempt to climb the historic, fragile sandstone headstones preserved along the perimeter.
Keep dogs under effective control in designated off-leash areas and strictly adhere to leash requirements in non-designated zones.
