Polwarth sheep were developed in Australia, they are named after a region of Victoria State. They are Lincoln-Merino crosses bred back to Merino rams. They have quite fine wool and good meat carcasses, too. They are a 1880s attempt to extend the grazing territory of sheep because the Merino was found lacking in hardiness in this respect.

In small flocks the extra husbanding that can be offered by the farmer brings increased lambing percentages and makes the small flock of Polwarth more successful. Body weight of just about 50 kg, a fleece of nearly 5 kg with around 24 micrometres and 120 to 160 mm staple.