Thirlmere Lakes National Park

4.1
42 reviews
Attraction
View of a mist-covered lake surface with marsh grasses in the foreground. Photo credit: Ian Brown
Thirlmere Lakes tree, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer © OEH
Thirlmere Lakes wildflower, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
Yellow wildflowers, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
Heritage Pump Station building, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer
Gallery showing 5 of 5 images

Park alerts

Thirlmere Lakes National Park

4 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 4:05 pm

Official alerts
  • Fire bansUntil 31 Mar 2027

    Park Fire Ban - Hawkesbury-Nattai Reserves

    A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

    • They're under direct control of an adult
    • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
    • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

    However, the following campgrounds are exempt in the following reserves:

    • Yellomundee Regional Park

      • Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place

    If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

About

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.

The park at a glance

Thirlmere Lakes National Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, walk, birdwatching, and glimpse into locomotive history, near Picton south of Sydney.

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.

Historic places
1
Picnic areas
1
Walks
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

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.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

2 places

Historic places (1)

Walks in this park

1 walk

Frequently asked questions

5 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Steven Adams

Steven Adams

Google review

So sad to see this lake now, I remember it in 80’s when it was big enough to boat & ski on, popular swimming spot to locals. Now it looks nothing like it, looks like a puddle of water. Sadly…. I can’t understand why local councils wouldn’t preserve it.

Before you go

Nearby towns

Picton (10 km) · Bowral (37 km) · Campbelltown (44 km)

Get in touch

Phone

1300 072 757

Email

parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Website

Visit website

Hawkesbury-Nattai office

02 4720 6200npws.hawkesburynattai@environment.nsw.gov.au

68 Bruce Road, Glenbrook NSW 2773

9am to 4pm Monday to Friday; Glenbrook entry station is only open on weekends, public holidays and school holidays

Where you'll be

Thirlmere NSW 2572

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