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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 World Heritage Area, 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 due to low water levels. 

Highlights in this park

  • Thirlmere Lakes track pink wildflowers, Thirlmere Lakes National Parl. Photo: John Spencer

    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...

  • Werri Berri picnic area barbecue, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    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...

  • Heritage Pump Station building, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    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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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

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Contact

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Things to do (4)

Wildflowers hero, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer