Macarthur

Look in your own backyard!

For the last 35 years I have travelled the world, looking for the best holiday destinations for my readers.

Recently we accepted the invitation to rediscover Macarthur, which is on the edge of Sydney. An experience we ended up being very excited about.

Everything Old in Macarthur is New Again  

Last century, well in the 1970s and 80s, Campbelltown and Camden were the favourite day trip destinations for mature travellers from the Sydney and Wollongong areas. But as we all know things change and other destinations became available, with better highways etc. The Macarthur district sort of faded away.

But recently they have employed a skilled professional public relations agent, and the traders and merchants have decided to re-establish their area as a major day trip destination.

Amongst the information sent to us was a brochure and map, on the cover it read; ‘So much to do…. So much to see…. So little time.’

There are so many choices in experiences in Macarthur; the hardest thing to decide is where to start. Find out more at one of Macarthur’s Accredited Visitor Information Centres.

In fact after our inspection tour we found it impossible to see it all in one day, so we can recommend either several visits, or like we did, stay over for an extra day or two.

Travelling from Mascot, it was an easy 40-minute drive along the M5 and we were at Campbelltown.

Macarthur Food Safari Tours

Our initial project was to experience this new and unusual private tour, which is run by Margaret Hughes.

Being an imaginative local, Margaret realised that with the cross culture of the community, that there was a virtual smorgasbord of fresh and imported foods and products available. The only problem was, for the general public and visitors, was where to find them.

Thus Macarthur Food Safari Tours was born. The tours begin with a coffee meeting at the Campbelltown Arts Centre Café, then a walking tour through the shopping centre, to discover the exotic foods in the delicatessens.

Then its back to the Arts Centre, where a five course degustation lunch, comprised of products from the shops visited, is really enjoyed.

The Macarthur Food Safari runs on selected Saturdays and costs $65 per person all-inclusive. Groups are also welcomed. To bookings and availability call 0409 248 378.

Another delightful experience was to visit Ruane Winery, on Finns Road Menangle. We have had the pleasure of visiting many boutique wineries, but never have we felt so welcome. Marilyn and John Baxter have the unique capability of turning their passion to produce wine, into a very special destination.