Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Picton:

    • Travel south along Remembrance Drive. Turn right onto Thirlmere Way and then right onto Richardson Street, veering left at Westbourne Avenue and continuing on Barbour Road. You can enter the park on Slades Road or Pumphouse Road.

    From Bargo:

    • Head northwest on Remembrance Drive. At Tahmoor, turn left onto Bargo River Road and at Couridjah, turn right onto West Parade. Enter the park at either Pumphouse Road or Slades Road into Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    Thirlmere National park is not accessible by public transport.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    Admire the ground orchids and active birdlife along Thirlmere Lakes track, or enjoy a pleasant picnic and barbecue at Lake Couridjah picnic area.

    Winter

    Photo opportunities with frost and misty lakes make this a great time of year to capture an iconic photograph.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    14°C and 28°C

    Highest recorded

    42.8°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    2°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    -10° C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    245.9mm

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    Park entry fees:

    Under review. No park entry fees collected.

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Paddling safety

    To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Do not swim or go paddling in Thirlmere Lakes when water levels are low.

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Thirlmere Lakes National Park

    Contact

    • in the Sydney and surrounds region

    • Thirmere Lakes is open from from 5.30am to 8pm during daylight savings and 5.30am to 6pm rest of year. The park may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Picton (10 km)

    Discover Picton's fine heritage architecture on a self-guided walking tour or visit historic Tahmoor House (limited open days). Enjoy a traditionally-brewed beer at George 4th Inn, opened in 1839 for travellers along the Great South Road.

    www.sydney.com

    Bowral (37 km)

    Spring is tulip time while summer has fragrant roses and autumn, flowering bulbs. Bowral Tulip Festival runs from the end of September until early October; the Autumn Garden Festival is held in May.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Campbelltown (44 km)

    For nature lovers, the Macarthur region has plenty of natural attractions. Explore nature reserves and wildlife trails or see spectacular native flora and fauna at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, the largest botanic garden in Australia.

    www.sydney.com