St Albans Common – Fishing & Camp Oven Cooking Competitions
Information
The annual St Albans Common Fishing and Camp Oven Cooking Competitions run from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, in 2026. Check their socials and website for updates, terms & conditions of entry.
Held at the historic St Albans Common on Wollombi Road, NSW (6 km north of St Albans), it is the sole public opportunity each year to camp and fish on the property, which was granted by Queen Victoria in 1853 under a Trust in perpetuity to the then residents of the Macdonald Valley, having been used as such since 1824.
Since that time the St Albans Common has, without interruption, continued to operate as a traditional Common.
It has been well managed under the various legislative frameworks including most recently the Commons Management Act 1989.
A person is eligible to be a commoner, in the case of the St Albans Common Trust, if, broadly, they are a resident or land owner in the Macdonald Valley.
Only a commoner can be elected as a Trustee.
In modern day parlance, to be a commoner is to be a member.
A key responsibility of a commoner is to vote for the Trustees who in turn manage the Common.
This is a very important characteristic of a Common as it ensures close community control, connection and involvement.