10 things to do in Camden this weekend

Camden

So you’ve probably heard me banging on about the many glories of Camden NSW.

Well, this is the weekend to get down here. Why? Because I am running the Camden Garden Festival, the Crystal Festival is on and Camden Park House is open (it only opens for one weekend a year).

We haven’t even gotten to the amazing cheese shop (Epicure) or shoe store (Shoe Talk).

Here are 10 things to do in Camden this weekend:

  1. The Camden Garden Festival Talks Program – Saturday only
    Come along and learn about bee keeping, garden design with a permaculture bent, the secret life of soil, what it’s like to run an organic hobby farm and hear about one man’s crazy dream garden that he made a reality. More info and bookings here. Tickets are $10 and all children under 16 are free.
  2. Camden Park House Open Weekend – Saturday and Sunday
    Camden Park House is the best living example of Georgian architecture we have in Australia. Originally built for Governor Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth, it was also home to Australia’s first horticulturist, William Macarthur. Tour the antique-crammed rooms – complete with family pics with Princess Anne – have a Devonshire tea on the lawn, buy weird and wonderful plants and take a walk around the Victorian garden. More info here.
  3. The Camden Fresh Produce Markets – Saturday only
    Come along and bring your reusable bags or baskets. Stock up on fresh locally grown herbs, veggies, fruit, eggs and honey, as well as baked goods, plants, cheese, olives and organic meat. There are food and coffee stalls so arrive hungry and bring your Keep Cup. More info here. The markets are open 7am – noon on Saturday.
  4. The Camden Community Gardens Open Day – Saturday only
    Take a walk through one of the largest and best organised community gardens in NSW. The garden is open all day and is right next door to the produce markets. More info here.
  5. Camden Crystal Festival – Saturday and Sunday
    Rock on at the Camden Crystal Festival. The event includes an exhibition and sale of fossils, rocks and crystals, jewellery for purchase, and much more. More info here.
  6. Glenmore House Kitchen Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea – Saturday only
    Explore Mickey Robertson’s visionary conversion of a heritage dairy into an outstanding home and kitchen garden, and enjoy a home cooked afternoon tea with Mickey. More info and bookings here.
  7. The Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan – Saturday and Sunday 
    The gardens is hosting two exceptional events this weekend – Art in Nature and a Bird Watcher’s Breakfast – so whether you like to paint birds or prefer to watch them, there’s something for you this weekend. The spring display of wildflowers is out in force so make sure you take your camera. More info here.
  8. Veggie Gardening Masterclass with the Veggie Lady – Sunday only
    Do you covet your neighbour’s juicy, ripe tomatoes? Do you wonder why you can’t keep coriander alive? Do you dream of growing your own garlic? Local expert Toni Salter will share the secrets of growing bountiful veggie crops that will keep your pantry and fridge stocked all year ’round. More info and bookings here.
  9. Learn to make your own macrame plant hanger – Saturday only
    Remember the macrame owls and wall hangers of your ’70s childhood? Well, my friends, macrame is back in a big way. Come along and learn how to make your own macrame plant hanger with local crafty lady Angie Duncan. More info and bookings here.
  10. Terrarium making with Toni – Friday only
    While not technically the weekend, some of us self-employed and retired folks have the luxury of calling the shots on when to start the fun. Toni Salter will supply all the materials, as well as a delicious morning tea, and teach you how to make your own beautiful terrarium. More info and bookings here.

PLEASE NOTE: All events are child-friendly except for the events at Toni Salter’s private home. There are some stairs at Camden Park House due to its heritage nature but the garden is accessible to wheelchairs. All other locations are fully accessible. Upstairs @Fred’s has a lift at the rear entrance for anyone with special access needs.

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