Campbelltown is really now a suburb of the sprawling city of Sydney -the city centre is 53 km north-east -but originally it was a quiet country village named by Governor Macquarie after his wife's maiden name. Today its population is 150,000 and its dairies supply much of Sydney's milk. The local district also produces poultry and fruit. Architectural landmarks include St Peter's Church (completed in 1824), and Glenalvon and Richmond Villa, two of the original houses. Campbelltown sponsors an annual festival in November: the Festival of Fisher's Ghost. Activities include a big street parade of floats and marching bands, fireworks, and literature and art competitions. The ghost, according to Australian colonial folklore, is that of Frederick Fisher, a Campbelltown farmer who was murdered in 1826 by a fellow ex-convict. Four months later Fisher's 'ghost' was 'seen' by a local man and the subsequent investigation led to Fisher's grave. Fisher's Ghost Creek is a local watercourse perpetuating the legend.

The Campbelltown City Show is second in size only to Sydney's Royal Easter Show. It is held in April. Other activities include bowls, golf and tennis.