Located on the southwestern outskirts of Sydney, Campbelltown is a cultural hub named after the wife of former Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It’s on the doorstep of the Australian Botanic Garden (the largest in Australia) and home to an inspiring arts precinct as well as a short drive from the recreational paradise of Dharawal National Park.
Things to do in Campbelltown
At the heart of town is the Campbelltown Arts Centre, which boasts an impressive post-1950 collection and regularly showcases exhibitions by contemporary Australian artists. You can stroll through the surrounding Sculpture Garden and experience the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or attend one of the workshops and art classes that are regularly held here.
Interested in the town’s colonial history? Grab a map from the visitor centre and embark on the Campbelltown Heritage Walk, which takes in the heritage-listed Post Office, Dredges Cottage and Warby’s Barn and Stables. You can coincide your visit with one of the open days at Gilburra Estate or Glenalvon House to gain insight into what life was like in Campbelltown during the 19th century.
If you want to explore the great outdoors, follow the hiking or mountain biking trails in the Australian Botanic Garden, with its collection features over 4,000 species. Aboriginal-led tours are available through the unspoiled bushland of Dharawal National Park, while the scenic gorge views from O’Hares Creek Lookout are not to be missed.
Getting around Campbelltown
Campbelltown is around one hour’s drive from the centre of Sydney and linked along the Airport & South Line of the Sydney Trains network. Campbelltown Station is connected to the surrounding suburbs by an extensive network of local buses while the centre of town is easy to access on foot.