Campbelltown is a thriving suburb, located south-west of the Sydney CBD. The town has a vibrant heart, with luscious natural surroundings and a mix of historical and modern attractions. With so much to do in the area, hiring a rental car will allow you explore everything at your own pace.
Every November, locals gather for the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost: a ten-day festival of community activities that include a parade, a fun run, musical performances and carnival delights.
The festival is inspired by the legend of Fred Fisher, a farmer who was murdered in the area in 1826. Despite its grim backstory, the festival is a lively gathering, and a celebration enjoyed by many in the community.
Food and shopping in Campbelltown
For those looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, the Macarthur Square Shopping Centre and the Campbelltown Mall are both great options. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, try local favourite, Waminda Bakery.
If you’re lucky enough to be in in town, check out the First Friday Foodie Feast Market, which takes place on the first Friday of every month, with all manner of artisan producers and food stalls to be found.
If you’ve overindulged at the market, there are a number of parks and reserves near the area where you can walk it off, while enjoying some stunning scenery.
Head for the hills in your rental car
Bordered by hills, nature reserves and waterways, Campbelltown’s surrounding bushland offers a scenic escape – just moments from the city centre. Here, you can follow meandering trails through the the bush, enjoy gorgeous views, secluded water-holes and stunning landscapes. The hustle and bustle of the city seems like a world away.
Explore Dharawal National Park
Dharawal was established as a national park in 2012. The park is home to pristine ecosystems, waterfalls, extensive upland swamps, steep-sided sandstone gorges, swimming holes, rock shelters – and many more fascinating landscape features, all well worth exploring.
With 6,500 hectares, the park is also home to a huge range of birds, animals, plant life, and features tracks for walking, bike riding, as well as plenty of places for relaxing.
The name ‘Dharawal’ refers to the language group of the local Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for more than 15,000 years. There are many Aboriginal sites in the locality, making it one of the richest areas of Aboriginal heritage in the Sydney region.
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
For more outdoor activities, jump in your rental car and head for The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, which is Australia’s largest botanic garden, with more than 2,500 species of native plants on display.
The garden spans 416 hectares and features themed gardens, with BBQ and picnic facilities, a cafe, walking tracks, a plant nursery and gift shop. There are also interactive sculptures, such as the Sundial of Human Involvement and the Federation Flower Maze.
Visitors can explore the Cumberland Plain Woodland Walk, which is one of many interesting and varied landscapes throughout the garden. An important fauna refuge, the garden is home to more than 160 bird species, insects, and native mammals, such as the Wallaroo and Swamp Wallaby.
Campbelltown and its surrounds make for the perfect escape from the city. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
Wherever you want to go, you’ll get there in a rental car from Hertz.
