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[title]When was the last time you visited Campbelltown? If it’s been a while, then we think you’ll want to know about all the reasons why this suburb south-west of Sydney is well worth the journey. Stay for a day trip, or stick around a little longer to experience a taste of it all.
Natural beauty
Look beyond the city lights and explore Campbelltown’s natural delights.
Visit the Dharawal National Park for picnicking, swimming and learning about the natural and cultural heritage of the land. Join an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger on a Guided Indigenous Tour to connect with the landscape. The tours showcase the landscape from a Koori perspective, exploring the strong relationship the Dharawal people have with the land, water, plants and animals. The popular Sensory Tours allow you to become fully immersed in the bush by targeting all your senses, with seasonal bush foods to taste.
After a hectic week in the city, taking a stroll through the manicured gardens, leafy woodlands and wide open grass plains of the Australian Botanic Garden is sure to soothe the soul. While you’re taking in the stunning views of Australia's largest botanic garden, look out for wallabies and a huge variety of native birds. If you feel like getting a little more involved, there’s a range of workshops for kids and outdoor-loving adults. During the school holidays, there's a huge range of workshops and activities for children and families; visit the website for the full list.
With plenty of swimming spots and picnic areas, the Georges River Corridor is also a great spot for a day by the riverside, or for a more adventurous bushwalk. Locals hit up Simmo’s beach, which has useful picnic facilities and opportunities for some recreation on the water.
Arts, culture and scientific exploration
Photography: Document Photography
If you’re craving a little culture, head to the edge of the city and visit the Campbelltown Arts Centre (C-A-C). It’s all about versatility at the C-A-C, featuring dance, music, visual art and performance from artists within the region, as well as international works that engage with the culture and artistic practices of Campbelltown. To mark your visit, take a snap in the tranquil Japanese gardens adjoining the centre.
Photography: Nikki To
Visitors with an eye for the paranormal can discover Campbelltown’s haunted past on an Investigative Ghost Tour. Decked out in full ghostbusting attire, you’ll measure residual ghost energy with electromagnetic field metres and digitally record the whisperings of spirits. Or, you may prefer to look to the skies for inspiration when the Campbelltown Rotary Observatory hosts its free open night on April 28, as well as other selected dates throughout the year. Bring a curious mind and explore the galaxy after dark.
Sports lovers
The region will become an international stage for rugby this year, with the Pacific International Test coming to Campbelltown Stadium on June 23. Sports fans can get into gear with the clash between fierce rivals Tonga and Samoa, and the face-off between Papua New Guinea and Lebanon.
You might want to mix up your regular spectating habits and look into harness racing. Campbelltown is the best place to experience it, with Australia’s biggest harness racing track Club Menangle hosting 130 race meets a year. Come cheer on local favourites Tiger Tara and Bling It On on the famous Miracle Mile track.