History and heritage

Campbelltown’s story stretches back more than 60,000 years. Long before it became a township in 1820, this area was – and remains – a place of connection for the Dharawal people, shaped by rivers, ridgelines and fertile land. It later grew into one of the region’s earliest European settlements and a resting place before the beginning of new explorations towards Victoria and the NSW South Coast.

For colonial history, pick up a map for the self-guided Campbelltown Heritage and Cultural Walk from the nearby Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre. Visit the local museum, Glenalvon House, which is open to the public on the first and third Sunday of the month from February to December. Built in 1840, the classic Georgian sandstone town house is a rare example of a residence and garden of its period.

Glenalvon House Open Days, Campbelltown - Credit: Destination Macarthur

Arts and culture

The impressive Campbelltown Arts Centre is the area’s major cultural venue, featuring a year-round program of exhibitions and performances across contemporary visual arts, dance, music, live art and emerging practices. The permanent collection includes works by prominent artists such as Guan Wei and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. The centre also hosts the annual Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, a long-running national exhibition that attracts artists from across Australia.

Take time to wander through the Sculpture Garden, which showcases permanent and changing works in a pretty outdoor gallery, before stopping at the Arts Centre Cafe, which overlooks the tranquil Japanese Gardens. 

Campbelltown Arts Centre, Campbelltown

Campbelltown Town Hall Theatre provides an intimate setting for local theatre group productions and visiting plays, musicals, comedy and staged events. For live music, check out The Beer Shed, which regularly hosts country and rock artists, and The Cube at the Campbelltown Catholic Club, a performance and events venue showcasing a number of national and international acts throughout the year.

Movie-goers can finish the day at Dumaresq Street Cinema, a much-loved local theatre where you can catch a film for just $7.50 every day of the week

Town Hall Theatre Campbelltown, Campbelltown - Credit: Roger Powell

Outdoor adventures

On the doorstep of Campbelltown, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan covers 416 hectares and includes 20km of mountain biking tracks. Join a guided tour, relax at one of the picnic areas, let the kids run wild across the wide open lawns, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the countryside from the Sundial Hill and The Conifer Arboretum, or walk through 300 species of acacia in the Wattle Garden.

The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

Dharawal National Park has more nature tracks, as well as Aboriginal-guided tours and panoramic views from O’Hares Creek Lookout. Georges River Nature Reserve also offers plenty of bushwalking and recreational activities, and is home to a protected koala colony. If horseback adventures are more your style, head to Sydney Horse Riding Centre. 

Georges River Nature Reserve, Kentlyn - Credit: Georges River Nature Reserve

The Billabong Parklands are a stunning outdoor recreation destination that provide the perfect place to splash, swim and picnic, with two large pools, interactive water play areas, parklands, shaded huts and barbecue facilities.

Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, Bradbury - Credit: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands

Exciting events

Campbelltown has a jam-packed events calendar, which includes festivals, markets, sports, live performances and heritage open days. Signature events include ChillFest in July and the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost, inspired by the 19th century local legend, in November. Meanwhile, the Campbelltown Sports Stadium is one of NSW's leading sporting venues, regularly hosting televised national and international events. With a capacity of around 17,500 people, it is home to A-League club Macarthur FC and a regular home ground for NRL club Wests Tigers.

Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Campbelltown - Credit: Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Eat and drink

There are many great restaurants in the area, including Hermitage Restaurant and Bar, Mama's Polynesian Soulfood and Kyubi Modern Asian Dining. For fantastic coffee, head to Alkalizer, Dahlia’s Café or Seta’s Café, which is decorated with a number of murals, one by Australian artist Le Grizz. Learn about the region’s winemaking talents Gledswood Homestead and Winery in nearby Camden.

Kyubi Modern Asian Dining, Campbelltown

Getting there

Campbelltown is a one-hour drive southwest of Sydney's city centre and 40 minutes by car from Sydney Airport. There are regular train services to Campbelltown for travellers coming from the Southern Highlands, the Greater Sydney region and Sydney Airport.