Thirlmere

Drawing back on English roots, this gorgeous semi-rural town was named after an idyllic spot in the Lake District of Northern England. Steeped in natural beauty and nestled in bush land, Thirlmere is home to Australia's largest rail heritage collection housed at the NSW Rail Museum and just down the road, the beautiful Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

Since 1975, the NSW Rail Museum has been home to a significant rail heritage collection including over 100 trains associated with the history of NSW railways. Visitors are taken on a journey to discover how the NSW railways brought shire villages to life, what life was like on the lines and what some of the greatest engineering and design achievements of railways over the years looks like. Visitors also have the opportunity to ride aboard a steam, heritage or diesel locomotive. Please note the type of trains available for rides vary and are dependent on the time of year.

Every year thousands of visitors come to Thirlmere to enjoy the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam, held in May , a fun-filled weekend for the whole family including steam train rides, markets, amusement rides, live entertainment and more. Challenge yourself to the ultimate running experience and race a heritage steam train along 6.5km from Buxton to Thirlmere in the Huff N' Puff Road Race.

Thirlmere is also home to Cedar Creek Orchard, with popular seasonal fruit picking experiences including persimmons, apples, stone fruit and farm tours for the whole family to enjoy.

Thirlmere Lakes NP is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Take in the native flora and fauna along the 6km loop walking track and bring a packed lunch to enjoy lakeside at the Werri-Berri picnic area. There are free gas barbecues, tables and toilets available. Don't forget your camera to snap one of over 140 bird species inhabiting the park, including white-bellied sea eagles, gang-gang cockatoos and little lorikeets. Thirlmere Lakes offers a glimpse into locomotive history being the location of the historic sandstone Heritage Pump Station, once used to replenish steam trains on the old southern railway line.