Explore Camden Through the Magic of Staytime Events

Camden is known for its rich heritage and small-town charm, and now there’s an enchanting way to experience it like never before. Staytime regularly hosts events that open the doors of this historic estate to the community. Locals are invited to step into another era as they attend immersive gatherings on the estate’s grounds or elegant themed evenings inside its storied halls. From the moment you pass through the gates of Dr Crookston’s House, you’ll feel the magic of Camden’s history coming around you, offering a truly unique outing right in your backyard.

Discover Dr Crookston’s House, Camden’s Historic Gem

Nestled atop John Street under the gaze of Camden’s old St John’s Church, Dr Crookston’s House is a Victorian-era treasure with a story to tell. The estate was originally built in the 1880s by Camden’s founding Macarthur family, and it still exudes the genteel elegance of that period​. In its early days, the grand main house was home to the town’s doctors, most famously Dr. Crookston himself, and the property retains its old-world charm even as it welcomes modern visitors​. Towering jacaranda trees and manicured gardens surround the heritage-listed mansion, creating a picturesque setting that feels worlds away from the everyday. Normally a private guest house, this iconic Camden home at 75 John Street is now opened to the public for special events, allowing locals a rare chance to experience its historic atmosphere firsthand.

Unique Events with a Touch of Magic

Staytime’s Soirées at Dr Crookston’s House are not your typical community events, each one is carefully crafted to offer something different. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, a foodie, or just seeking a memorable night out, you’ll find an event that sparks your imagination. Here are some highlights of the extraordinary experiences Staytime has been bringing to Camden:

• Heritage Tours & Garden Gatherings: For those curious about local lore, guided historic tours invite you to “step through the gates” and explore the estate’s past in an intimate, immersive way​​. Daytime soirees have also brought the gardens to life, for example, during the Unlock Camden festival the estate hosted an artisan market and picnic on the old tennis court, blending community fun with heritage ambience​. Imagine strolling these grounds on a sunny afternoon, teacup or locally brewed cider in hand, as live acoustic music drifts through the air and the Victorian porch provides a storybook backdrop.

• Live Music Under the Stars: There’s nothing quite like an open-air concert at a 19th-century mansion. Staytime has treated Camden audiences to intimate performances by acclaimed artists right on the estate’s lawn. Picture a jazz trio serenading couples on a balmy summer evening, exactly what happened at the Soirées Jazz Club on Valentine’s Day, when the renowned Sandie White Trio performed “in the grounds of an historic Camden estate”, making it “a Valentine’s Day to remember.”​ More recently, the estate’s grand marquee tent has hosted exclusive concerts by big-name talents: Meg Washington, a platinum-selling singer-songwriter, gave a spellbinding one-night-only show that let fans hear “her electrifying voice up close” in a never-to-be-repeated performance​. And coming up is a much-anticipated evening with ROSHANI, the breakout Bluesfest artist, who is bringing her soulful sound to Camden for “ONE SHOW ONLY in an intimate and exclusive performance under the magic and opulence of the Grand Marquee.”​ These musical nights feel almost otherworldly, as if the estate itself joins in the melody, its verandas and gardens forming a natural amphitheater beneath the stars.

• Comedy Nights with Character: Laughter echoes warmly through the halls and courtyards of Dr Crookston’s when Staytime puts on a comedy event. In March, locals were treated to award-winning British comic Christian Elderfield and his hit show “Swingers,” performed in the estate’s unique setting​. And Camden even got a visit from an Australian comedy legend, Austen Tayshus. To celebrate over 40 years of his iconic routine “Australiana,” Austen Tayshus brought his national tour to a big tent on the lawn, entertaining a sold-out crowd “under the Grand Marquee” with hilarious storytelling and razor-sharp wit​. There’s something special about enjoying stand-up comedy in such an historic location, the jokes feel fresher, the laughs louder, and the shared experience among neighbors in this unlikely venue is truly unforgettable.

• Seasonal & Themed Soirées: Throughout the year, Staytime curates events that celebrate holidays and local culture, always with a stylish twist. During the Christmas season, for example, the estate has transformed into a festive wonderland. One weekend saw a “Vino & Vinyl Xmas” party where guests sipped wine and enjoyed vintage tunes in a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere​. The very next day, the mansion turned into a glamorous Christmas Casino, inviting attendees to dress up and revel in a night of elegant fun “in the heart of Camden”​. These events offered multiple sessions (morning, afternoon, and evening), giving everyone a chance to join the celebration. Staytime also joined the Camden Christmas Festival by hosting a “Christmas in the Courtyard” open house, a free community event with live music, a boutique bar, and even a gourmet pizza truck, all set in the estate’s charming courtyard​. And on Australia Day, Dr Crookston’s House rang with laughter and music as locals gathered for an exclusive backyard bash, only 50 tickets were available for a day of “quintessential Australian comedy”, live local bands, and classic Aussie BBQ fare with an artisan twist​. Each themed soirée immerses guests in a different mood, be it the romance of a bygone jazz club, the thrill of a casino night, or the patriotic fun of an Aussie summertime party, all against the beautiful backdrop of Camden’s most iconic home.

No matter the theme, every Staytime event turns Dr Crookston’s Estate into a stage for making memories. We pay attention to every detail, from lighting the garden with fairy lights for evening glamour, to setting up long tables under the trees for relaxed mingling at daytime gatherings. Many who attend remark on the novelty of enjoying such cultural events in a local heritage setting, it’s a refreshing change from the usual restaurant or pub night.

A Camden Outing to Remember

One of the best parts of attending a Staytime event is that it encourages you to get out and enjoy more of Camden itself. Dr Crookston’s House is just a short stroll from the heart of town​, which makes it easy to turn an event visit into a full day (or night) of local exploration. You might arrive early and take a leisurely walk along the Nepean River Trail, a 4-kilometre waterside path that winds past Camden’s scenic landscapes and even links up to the Camden Town Farm and heritage sites. If an event is in the evening, consider coming into town a bit beforehand for brunch or coffee on Argyle Street, Camden’s historic main strip lined with cozy cafés and boutiques. There’s nothing like sipping a locally brewed coffee and watching the world go by on Argyle Street before you head off for an afternoon tour at the estate. After an enchanting garden gathering or show at Dr Crookston’s, you can continue the fun by grabbing dinner or dessert at one of the nearby restaurants, all within walking distance thanks to Camden’s village-style layout. By pairing a Staytime event with these simple pleasures (a riverside stroll, a chat over brunch, or an after-show nightcap in town), you’ll rediscover the charm of Camden in a whole new light. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable outing that mixes culture, history, and the warm community vibe that locals know and love.

Experience Camden’s Magic at Staytime’s Next Event

For Camden locals who relish culture and atmosphere, Staytime’s events at Dr Crookston’s House offer an invitation to experience your town’s heritage in an exciting new way. Every event is a chance to soak in the ambience of a Victorian estate while enjoying top-notch entertainment, truly the best of Camden’s past and present. The buzz around these soirées has been growing, with many past events selling out and attendees raving about the unique settings. If you haven’t been to one yet, take the opportunity to treat yourself to an upcoming show or tour. New dates and themes are always being added, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from on the Staytime events page. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at a jazz night, clinking glasses at a garden soiree, or simply absorbing local history on a guided walk, you’ll be making wonderful new memories right here in Camden. Come along and be part of the magic, your very own hometown adventure awaits at Dr Crookston’s House.