Elderslie, a suburb in the Macarthur Region of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, has a rich history that dates back to the early interactions between indigenous people and British settlers. Originally, the area was home to the Tharawal people, although the Darug and Gandangara peoples also inhabited the broader Camden area.

The British settlement in Elderslie began around 1795 when a group of lost cattle was discovered in the region, which came to be known as Cowpastures. In 1805, a small hut was constructed near the ford of the Nepean River in Elderslie, marking the first house built by British settlers in the Camden region. This initial settlement was closely followed by the granting of 5,000 acres to wool pioneer John Macarthur, leading to the clearing of land for farming that dominated the area for the next two centuries.

The relationship between the British settlers and the indigenous people initially started cordially but deteriorated as land clearing affected food resources, leading to conflicts. A tragic massacre occurred in 1816, causing the remaining indigenous people to retreat from direct conflict with the settlers.

Elderslie experienced significant development in the 19th century, with plans for a small village by the 1840s. However, this development was overshadowed by the growth of Camden, located across the river. The area was known for its vineyards, orchards, and market gardens throughout the 19th century. The growth of coal mining in the 1950s and 1960s led to a population increase and demand for residential land releases, transforming Elderslie into a more residential suburb.

One of Elderslie's most notable residents was the Australian poet and actor Hugh McCrae, who lived in the area in the 1930s. McCrae was a member of the Sydney Bohemian set and a friend of Norman Lindsay. He wrote about the local area in his works such as ‘October in Camden’ and ‘Camden Magpie’.

Today, Elderslie includes amenities like a local shop, high school, primary school, skateboard park, and sports facilities. It also boasts a historic house, John Oxley Cottage, built in the 1890s and converted into the Camden Visitors' centre in 1989, named after explorer John Oxley who had an early land grant in the area.