Camperdown is located 4 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district and is part of the Inner West region.

It was named by Governor William Bligh who received a grant of 240 acres (1 km2) of land covering present day Camperdown and parts of Newtown.

With the advent of gentrification, from the late 20th century, modern infill development now tends to be sympathetic with the traditional Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes.

Camperdown Park is surrounded by Mallett, Pidcock, Fowler and Australia Streets and includes several sports grounds and an urban farm.

[11] Contrary to popular belief and naming conventions, the highly-frequented 'Camperdown Memorial Park' actually resides in the suburb of Newtown.

The suburb is mentioned in the song "Australia Street" by the band Sticky Fingers, featuring on their 2013 album Caress Your Soul.

Also, poem titled "The Sleeping City, Australia Street" by Helen Loughlin references many sites around the Camperdown area.