Camden
Town
Population 3179
Camden, in a picturesque setting on the Nepean River just south-west of Sydney, was once a hunting ground of the Gundungurra people, who called it 'Benkennie', meaning 'dry land'. Governor Macquarie sent men to kill or imprison the Aboriginal people in 1816, and although records are poor, the brutal mission had some success. European settlement began after eight cattle wandered off four months after the First Fleet landed. They were not seen again until 1795 when it was discovered their number had grown to more than 40. The site on which they were found was named Cowpasture Plains, but was later changed to Camden. Camden was home to John and Elizabeth Macarthur, pioneers of the Australian wool industry, and also the first in Australia to grow tobacco, use mechanical irrigation, produce wine of respectable quality and quantity and make brandy. The Macarthurs sent thousands of vines to the Barossa Valley and are thereby credited with helping to start South Australia's wine industry.
Visitor Information
John Oxley Cottage, Camden Valley Way; (02) 4658 1370
Nearby national parks
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Blue Mountains National Park
Blue Mountains National Park presents an astounding and unique landscape to its millions of visitors. The terrain ripples and folds, a world...more -
Royal National Park
Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park, has a rich cultural heritage, both European and Indigenous. It combines magnifi...more -
Georges River National Park
On the south-west outskirts of Sydney this national park, a picturesque retreat on the lower reaches of the Georges River, is popular with...more
Nearby towns
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Campbelltown
Campbelltown was founded in 1820 by Governor Macquarie and named after his wife, Elizabeth Campbell. While the town is being engulfed by...more -
Picton
Located in the foothills of the Southern Highlands, Picton was once a thriving town, but since the re-routing of the Hume Highway it has...more -
Glenbrook
Glenbrook is a picturesque village on the edge of the Blue Mountains. It was originally known as Watertank because it was used for the...more
In Town
Self-guide walk and scenic drive: includes historic buildings such as the Macarthur Camden Estate, St John the Evangelist Church and Kirkham Stables; brochure from visitor centre.
Nearby
Camden Museum of Aviation This privately owned museum has the largest specialist aircraft collection in Australia. Where possible, the aircraft have been painstakingly restored (to a standard allowing them to taxi along a runway but not necessarily fly), with accurate wartime markings and camouflage colours carefully researched through service records and photographs. Open Sun and public holidays; (02) 4648 2419; 3 km NE.Struggletown Fine Arts Complex: gallery featuring stained glass, pottery, traditional art and a restaurant; 3 km N. Belgenny Farm: includes Belgenny Cottage (1820) and the oldest surviving collection of farm buildings in Australia; (02) 4655 9651; 6 km SE. Camden Aerodrome: ballooning, gliding and scenic flights with vintage aircraft on display; (02) 4655 8064; 3 km NW. Cobbity: historic rural village with market 1st Sat each month; 11 km NW. The Oaks: small town in open countryside featuring the slab-built St Matthew's Church and Wollondilly Heritage Centre, a social history museum; 16 km W. Burragorang Lookout: views over Lake Burragorang; 24 km W. Yerranderie: this fascinating old silver-mining town can be reached by normal vehicle only in dry conditions, otherwise only by 4WD or plane; 40 km W. Wineries: several in the area; contact visitor centre for map; Gledswood (10 km N) features a working colonial farm.
Fishing spots near town
Port Hacking 38 km
In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out moreBotany Bay 47 km
Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out moreHawkesbury-Nepean River 76 km
The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out moreLithgow to Mudgee 93 km
Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out morePort Stephens 201 km
Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out moreNarooma Offshore 241 km
Narooma is one of those pleasant destinations that offers piscatorial delights most of the year, ranging from gamefishing offshore to rock, beach and estuary. Situated on Wagonga Inlet, the port is best known for its... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Birdwatching trip by boat 43 km
Being out on a heaving sea all day with a flock of keen birdwatchers could be some people’s worst nightmare, but any nature lover should enjoy the experience – at least once anyway. There is the chance to... Find out moreIce-climbing 54 km
In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out moreTaronga Zoo 57 km
One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out moreKayaking in Sydney 58 km
Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out morePicnicking in the Blue Mountains 65 km
Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out moreThe Great North Walk 66 km
Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out moreBushwalking in and around Sydney 66 km
Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out moreWhale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 107 km
Many seaside towns on the South Coast have rightfully decided to champion the passing parade of marine mammals. From May to November there are more two-to-three-hour, whale- and dolphin-watching cruises than you can wave... Find out moreSailing around Jervis Bay 117 km
Imagine. No engines. Just the flapping of a sail and the splash of the waves. The South Coast’s tranquil lakes and inlets are ideal for sailing. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters is one of several operators who will take... Find out moreBushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 149 km
From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Macquarie Links International Golf Club 19 km
Shanghai, Guam, Bali, Sabah, Bangkok, Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii; American course designer Robin Nelson has spent much of the past 30 years travelling from one exotic destination to another, putting his next project in... Find out moreTwin Creeks Golf & Country Club 27 km
As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out moreConcord Golf Club 45 km
From the very first days that golf was played in New South Wales, the name Concord has been part of the landscape. Established in 1899, golf began on the current site – on a layout designed by Dan Soutar, who... Find out moreCastle Hill Country Club 46 km
Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out moreThe Lakes Golf Club 50 km
The Lakes is one of Sydney’s iconic golf courses, a regular venue for big championships – including the Australian Open – during its 82-year history. Yet since the late 1960s, when the course was... Find out moreThe Australian Golf Club 51 km
With a rich history dating back to the first days of organised golf in Australia, The Australian is the country’s oldest formal golf club. It was established in 1882 but didn’t find a permanent home at... Find out moreNew South Wales Golf Club 51 km
Few courses anywhere can rival New South Wales for its array of fascinating and spectacularly natural seaside holes. Laid out across sometimes dramatic, undulating topography on the La Perouse peninsula – with... Find out moreSt Michael’s Golf Club 52 km
St Michael’s has for a long time been one of Sydney’s most underrated courses. Perhaps sharing a boundary with the world-famous New South Wales Golf Club hasn’t helped. Yet St Michael’s covers... Find out moreThe Coast Golf Club 52 km
The Coast certainly has the right address to be considered a golfing gem. Its closest neighbours on this stunning stretch of Sydney coastline are St Michael’s Golf Club to the south and, beyond that, the... Find out moreAvondale GOLF CLUB 54 km
When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Green Gourmet 49 km
These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out moreBilly Kwong 52 km
This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out moreNearby breweries
Tooheys Brewery 41 km
Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out moreFive Islands Brewing Company 41 km
Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out morePaddy's Brewery 42 km
There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out moreSt Peters Brewery 48 km
Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out moreMalt Shovel Brewery 49 km
US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out moreRedoak Brewery 52 km
Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out moreSchwartz Brewery 52 km
Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out moreLord Nelson Brewery Hotel 53 km
Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out moreCampsites around town
Bents Basin camping area 17 km
You can get to the camping area by following Wolstenholm Ave off Greendale Rd from Wallacia. There are short walks from here to a lookout and the basin. It’s well equipped and includes an amenities block with hot... Find out moreLake Eckersley camping ground (walk-in camping) 26 km
There are 2 camping sites here, near Lake Eckersley in the middle of the park, with enough room for up to 6 campers. You’ll need to be self-sufficient in food and drinking water. Take a good map with you. Note:... Find out moreKingfisher Pool camping ground (walk-in camping) 26 km
On the Bullawaring Track in the middle of the park, it’s a fair walk into this campsite. It’s only for self-sufficient campers carrying decent maps. Note: fires prohibited; gas/fuel stove only.... Find out moreMirang Pool camping ground (walk-in camping) 26 km
This is slightly larger than the other camping grounds in the park, with 6 campsites accommodating up to 18 people in total. Make sure you’re self-sufficient in food and water, with a good map. Note: fires... Find out moreEuroka Campground 32 km
This camping region, near the lovely Nepean River Gorge, can be reached via Bruce Rd in Glenbrook. It comprises 5 camping areas: Appletree Flat, Redgum, Nioka, Bennets Ridge and Daruk. Note that the access gate is locked... Find out moreUloola Falls camping ground (walk-in camping) 32 km
The medium difficulty Uloola Falls Walking Track (11 km, 3 hrs) is the only way in to this camping ground. The track can be accessed from Heathcote, Engadine or Waterfall, all of which are reachable by train. Make sure... Find out moreNorth Era camping ground (bush camping) 35 km
On the stunning 26 km Coast Track (2 days, medium difficulty), this is a walk-in bush-camping ground with 12 sites. You’ll need to be self-sufficient; bring food and drinking water with you. Wood fires are not... Find out moreMurphys Glen Campground 39 km
Murphys Glen Campground is tucked away among turpentine, angophora and eucalypt, 6 km south of Woodford via Bedford Rd off Railway Pde. Note that this is 2WD access in dry weather only; 4WD recommended. It’s a... Find out moreCorrimal Beach Tourist Park 39 km
Located on gorgeous Corrimal Beach, 5 km north of Wollongong, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park offers everything from tent sites through to standard, beachside and mountain view spa cabins. Facilities include laundry, camp... Find out moreIngar Campground 40 km
At Ingar Campground, you can swim or paddle in the dam on Ingar Creek, or strike out on a walking or mountain-biking track. From Wentworth Falls, take Tableland Rd and turn onto Queen Elizabeth Dr then Ingar Fire Trail.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Bulli Beach Tourist Park 36 km
This popular, council-owned holiday park adjoins a patrolled beach with beach pools. In a quiet area, this place will appeal to families or those just spending a few peaceful days out of the holiday season.... Find out moreCorrimal Beach Tourist Park 39 km
A council-owned beachside park on the north side of Wollongong, this place has good amenities and is a popular holiday destination. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreMittagong Caravan Park 47 km
The caravan park is 1 km north of the town centre. There is a well-stocked shop and easy access to the Hume Freeway. This is one of only two parks in this area of the central highlands. The park can get very busy, so... Find out moreSydney Hills Holiday Park 52 km
This is a quality park in the north-western suburbs and can be easily accessed from the M7 through Sydney’s west. The well-designed park has a very good shop and is in a nice area. It is ideal for a holiday base in... Find out moreLane Cove River Tourist Park 52 km
Despite being the closest caravan park to Sydney (just 10 km away), this place has a bush setting. Adjoining the Lane Cove River, the park has lovely treed areas and good facilities. A regular bus service operates to the... Find out moreKatoomba Falls Caravan Park 53 km
Located in a quiet off-highway location, this neat well-appointed park is very close to Katoomba’s cable car and scenic railway. It is an ideal park for a few days stay to explore the area. Bookings are required in... Find out moreWindang Beach Tourist Park 54 km
This is a council-owned, popular beachside holiday park located on the south side of Wollongong, next to Lake Illawarra. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at these times.... Find out moreShellharbour Beachside Tourist Park 58 km
This caravan park is in a quiet location on the beachfront, adjoining the beachside baths. The shops, including some eateries, are just a short stroll away. While pets are allowed, only small dogs are permitted. This is... Find out moreMoss Vale Village Caravan Park 61 km
The park, 2 km south of Moss Vale, is one of two in this part of the central highlands. It is ideal for a night or two if you are planning to explore the area. Bookings are recommended all year round, and there is a... Find out moreBlackheath Caravan Park 62 km
In the heart of the Blue Mountains, this park is situated in a pretty parkland setting opposite the Rhododendron Gardens, and within walking distance of the town centre and Govetts Leap lookout. There are good basic... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 49 km
Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out moreOld Leura Dairy 53 km
This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out moreJemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 59 km
One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out moreKanimbla View, Blackheath 62 km
Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out moreWoolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 63 km
Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out moreWollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 66 km
These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out moreJenolan Cabins 70 km
These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out moreDargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 78 km
At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out moreAustralia Walkabout Park, Calga 87 km
You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out moreClonturkle Sanctuary 105 km
Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out moreRest areas around town
Gordon VC Rest Area 64 km
21 km SW of Mittagong (R) or 64 km NE of Goulburn (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 32.086 E150 16.885 ... Find out moreMackey VC Rest Area 69 km
28 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 57 km NE of Goulburn (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 34.763 E150 15.192 ... Find out moreKingsbury VC Rest Area 75 km
27 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 58 km NE of Goulburn (R) Large area just off the highway among some large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 37.166 E150 12.832 ... Find out moreHawkesbury River Rest Area 76 km
49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out moreLake Wallace Park Area 93 km
T/O 51 km E of Bathurst (L) or 11 km W of Lithgow (R) Large area 2 kilometres north of the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S33 24.849 E150 04.255 ... Find out moreOurimbah Exit Rest Area 102 km
82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046 ... Find out moreChowne VC Rest Area 105 km
17 km NE of Goulburn (L) eastbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 44.621 E149 53.244 ... Find out moreSunny Corner Camp Area 107 km
T/O 34 km E of Bathurst (L) or 28 km W of Lithgow (R) Secluded campground located 7 kilometres north of the highway. GPS: S33 23.267 E149 53.542 ... Find out moreDerrick VC Rest Area 108 km
73 km SW of Mittagong (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 44.149 E149 49.805 ... Find out moreService Centre 112 km
93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out moreBewang Park Area 113 km
38 km N of Ulladulla (L) or 30 km S of Nowra (R) Small area adjacent to the highway, opposite the roadhouse. GPS: S35 05.123 E150 31.993 ... Find out moreFrench VC Rest Area 125 km
9 km W of Goulburn (R) or 78 km E of Yass (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 47.207 E149 38.416... Find out moreThe Rocks Rest Area 141 km
20 km W of Bathurst (R) or 36 km E of Orange (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S33 25.56 E149 22.48 ... Find out moreBlayney Park Area 146 km
West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 32.263 E149 15.254... Find out moreBurrill Lake Park Area 148 km
South side of town Large town park in a pleasant lakeside setting just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S35 23.391 E150 26.652 ... Find out moreMacquarie Wood Camp Area 148 km
T/O 28 km W of Bathurst (R) or 28 km E of Orange (L) Large open grassed area located 2 kilometres north of the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 24.34... Find out moreCarcoar Dam Camp Area 149 km
T/O 62 km NE of Cowra (R) or 47 km SW of Bathurst (L) Large camp area located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the shores of the dam. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 36.717 E149 10.864 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Produce Market: Cnr Exeter and Mitchell sts; 2nd and 4th Sat each month.
Craft and Fine Food Market: Camden Showground; 3rd Sat each month (except Jan).
Food, Wine and Music Festival: Sept.
Camden House Open Weekend: Nov.
