A day in Camden: heritage streets, historic estates and country views

Camden is less than an hour from the centre of Sydney, but it still feels like a country town. It grew up beside the Macarthur family’s estate in the early days of the colony, and its main street, churches and farms tell the story of how Australia’s wool industry began. Add riverside walks, cafés and a dawn balloon flight, and it makes an easy and rewarding day out.

Getting there

Camden is about 60 km south-west of the Sydney CBD. By car, take the M5 and then the Camden Valley Way, or the M31 and Narellan Road. There is no train station in Camden: take the train to Campbelltown and then a local bus, which takes about half an hour. Our getting there page has more on transport in the region.

Morning: a balloon flight

Camden is the main hot-air ballooning area for Sydney. Flights take off around sunrise, when the air is calm, and float over farmland, the Nepean River and, on clear days, the edge of the city. Expect an early start, an hour or so in the air and breakfast afterwards. Read our guide to ballooning and skydiving for what to expect.

Argyle Street and St John’s

Back on the ground, walk along Argyle Street, Camden’s main street, with its 19th-century shopfronts, bakeries and cafés. At the top of the hill stands St John’s Anglican Church, built in the 1840s and one of the oldest churches in Australia. Its tall spire can be seen across the valley. The Camden Museum, run by local volunteers, has displays on the town’s history; check its opening days before you go.

Camden Park and Belgenny Farm

John and Elizabeth Macarthur, pioneers of the Australian merino wool industry, were granted land here in 1805. Camden Park House, designed by the architect John Verge and finished in the 1830s, is still the home of the Macarthurs’ descendants, so it opens only on special open days, usually in spring. Next door, Belgenny Farm has some of the oldest surviving farm buildings in Australia and runs events and tours on set days.

Afternoon: river and gardens

The Nepean River curves around the edge of town, and riverside parks and paths are good for a picnic or a stroll. Camden Town Farm, on the edge of the centre, hosts a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings. For a bigger green space, the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan is a short drive away, with walking trails, picnic lawns and wide views.

Make it a weekend

Camden is easy to combine with nearby towns. Picton has old pubs and railway history, and Campbelltown has galleries and parks. Our weekend itinerary puts them together, and the Camden page has more ideas.

Tips

• Book balloon flights early: they depend on the weather and may be moved at short notice.
• Check event days: Camden Park and Belgenny Farm open only on set dates.
• Bring a hat: summer days in the Macarthur region are often much hotter than on the coast.