Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Overview
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, walk, birdwatching, and glimpse into locomotive history, near Picton south of Sydney.
Read more about Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property, and makes a great day trip from Sydney.
Pack a picnic and head to Werri Berri picnic area, where you can make use of the free barbecues to cook up a feast while enjoying the fresh Wollondilly Shire air.
Walk off your lunch along the 6km Thirlmere Lakes walking track, which starts from Couridjah picnic area. There's no directional signage but this moderate track is well-defined. The walk is easily combined with a visit to the restored sandstone Heritage Pump Station, for a glimpse into Picton's steam train and railway history.
Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for some of the 140 birds that inhabit the park, including the white-faced heron, musk duck, and white-bellied sea eagle. Many native Australian plants can also be found here. The mild weather of spring is a great time to admire the colourful ground orchids.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is named for its 5 freshwater lakes, which are thought to be around 15 million years old. There's no swimming or canoeing in the lakes when water levels are low.
Highlights in this park
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Greater Blue Mountains drive – Wollondilly trail
Wollondilly trail, part of the Greater Blue Mountains drive, takes in scenic views of Mittagong Nattai, Thirlmere Lakes and Bargo State Recreation Are...
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Thirlmere Lakes walking track
Thirlmere Lakes walking track is a 6km walk around three of the park’s lakes and picnic areas - Gandangarra, Werri-Berri and Couridjah - and the histo...
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Werri Berri picnic area
Werri Berri picnic area is a great spot for picnicking or barbecuing by the lake. You can even walk the nearby Thirlmere Lakes track or visit the Heri...
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Heritage Pump Station
For a bit of locomotive history near Picton, visit the Heritage Pump Station. This historic site was once used to replenish steam trains on the old so...
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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.
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Glenbrook office
02 4632 4500 Infoline
Contact hours: Entry station is only open on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. - 68 Bruce Road, Glenbrook NSW 2773
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Email: npws.hawkesburynattai@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Glenbrook office