Its origins lie in Merino sheep imported to Australia from South Africa in about 1796.

[3]: 746 Using the skills of breeding and selection, the Australian Merino developed inline with Australia’s large variations in climatic conditions, management and husbandry techniques.

[4] The Australian Merino produces a wool that is the world’s finest and softest.

[5] In 1790, Charles IV of Spain sent a gift of Merino sheep from the Escorial cavana to the government of the Dutch Republic.

[3]: 746 The origins of the Australian Merino lie in some of those sheep imported to Australia by John Macarthur in 1796.