Exploring a Heritage Haven in the South-West
- The WEST Journal
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
The South-West city of Campbelltown is considered a historical treasure trove, with an impressive heritage trail tucked in-between everyday suburban life. With a surprising amount of heritage buildings found in its city centre, Campbelltown’s rich walking trail is a delight to be experienced, bringing colonial history and stories alive. Located on Dharawal land, Campbelltown is a haven for the history curious.
A day exploring Campbelltown’s heritage trail is pure joy, all easily accessed by both train or car. Declared a township in 1820 and named by Governor Lachlan Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth Campbell, many of the buildings built in this era can still be admired today.
Start your day with Glenalvon House on Lithgow Street, a beautiful sandstone building surrounded by an abundant garden. Built in 1840 in a colonial Georgian style, it was historically used as a private residence with servants’ quarters, a coach house and stables. In the garden you will find remnants of its history, including an old horse trough, well, stable house and a rural exhibition centre showcasing agricultural heritage from the area.
Nearby is the option to visit Too Good Cafe for an excellent Danes roast coffee and all-day brunch. A newcomer in Campbelltown, it has already built a steady following of locals that visit for delicious, good quality food and welcoming service. The menu is extensive and caters for every taste bud, with the view of Forum Q’s striking black and white geometric mural adding to the atmosphere.
From here, wander along Queen Street keeping an eye out for bronze plaques honouring pioneers who made major contributions to the area (there are 10 in total). Right by Campbelltown Mall, you will find some magnificent heritage buildings, each one built in the 1800s and with a story to tell.
Campbelltown Post and Telegraph Office was built in 1881 by Government architect James Barnet. Mail was delivered here by horseback, and the telegraph office received morse code up until 1913. Close by is The Railway Hotel, used as a music hall in the 1850s, as well as The Coaching House. Built in the 1840s, you can still admire the large timber gates which opened to allow horse-drawn carriages access to the stables out the back. Across the road is the old Town Hall and Fire Station, both from the 1800s. In the early 1900s, the hall screened silent movies and today is the home of the Campbelltown Theatre Group.
When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Kings Charcoal Chicken, a local legend, a local favourite and a local hidden gem with the freshest, tastiest chicken and chips in town. Don’t forget to ask for their famous chicken salt! The peaceful Mawson Park is an ideal place to enjoy your meal, with more historical buildings nearby and is a part of Campbelltown’s history.
Crown Tea on Queen Street also have fresh banh mi and salad bowls that locals line up for as well as Seta’s Cafe on Dumaresq Street. With friendly service and a big Le Grizz mural keeping you company, it will give you a taste of the local experience. Le Grizz is also something of a local legend and a featured artist by WEST.
With more historic delights to be found, WEST recommends stopping into Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre in the heritage Quondong Cottage for more information. A day in Campbelltown is a surprising and fascinating glimpse into stories of the past. A place rich in European history and most certainly a hidden gem ready to be discovered.
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