Historic Camden is a quaint town located on the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Sydney. Despite the population boom, the leafy, tree lined streets help to maintain the historic charm of the town.
Spending a weekend in Camden is the perfect amount of time to see what the town has to offer.
Travelling into Camden via Camden Valley Way and onto Argyle Street, you’ll more than likely be greeted with a sign reading ‘Birthplace of the Nations Wealth’ referring to the establishment of the very successful wool, wine and wheat industries largely thanks to the Macarthur’s.
If driving in on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the weekly produce markets, held every Saturday 7am-midday at the Camden Town Farm. The “genuine farmers market” ensures all products sold within the venue are grown, produced, or made by the person selling. On a sunny Saturday morning, the produce markets are the perfect location for a spot of brunch before heading into town to do some exploring.
Walking up John Street towards Argyle street, be sure to stop in at the Macaria Building, home to the Alan Baker Art Gallery. Right in the heart of Camden’s cultural precinct, the gallery showcases the works of Alan Baker, with exhibitions rotating throughout the Year. Currently showing is ‘Portraits of Camden’. Along with the exhibitions, the gallery hosts a series of workshops that participants can join in.
After exploring the cultural precinct, work your way up through John Street where you are greeted with St John’s Church overlooking the town. Head around the back, onto Menangle Road and enjoy the views overlooking the Nepean River, and into Narellan.
Down the far end of Argyle Street, head into the equestrian park, and enjoy a walk through the showgrounds, exploring the agricultural history of the town.
After working up an appetite, jump back in the car and drive down Remembrance Drive to Camden Valley Inn. CVI, as it is colloquially known, is a Tudor-style heritage listed boutique Inn set on five acres within the stunning Camden Valley.
Originally built in the 1930s as a milk bar serving travellers from Sydney along the Hume Highway, Camden Valley Inn has had a number of different lives. The Inn has recently re-opened and is proving itself to be the place to be.
When walking into the venue through the main lane-way, you are greeted with the Historic charm of the heritage building, followed by an extensive bar space, finally opening up to the perfectly manicured gardens.
The outdoor area is the real selling point of the Camden Valley Inn. The variety of seating spaces range from the beer garden, to under the pavilion, and finally out on the grassy lawn, all providing stunning views out into the rural landscape.
Camden Valley Inn is opened 7 days a week and can be found at 290 Remembrance Drive, Cawdor.