When did merino sheep arrive in Australia? The National Museum of Australia dates the first arrival to 1797.
The introduction of merino sheep
The museum describes the introduction of a flock brought by Captain Henry Waterhouse and Lieutenant William Kent, and its subsequent distribution to other colonists, including John Macarthur. This is a more useful starting point than treating a short anecdote as the complete history of Australian wool.
Read the National Museum of Australia’s account of merino sheep for the wider historical context.
Continue exploring clothing and materials
Visit the Well Sewn Style hub and our guide to choosing suit fabric.
