Outdoors & Wildlife

Thirlmere Lakes National Park is a relaxing spot for visitors to escape the crowds and enjoy being surrounded by wildlife and the outdoors. Although the water levels in the lake fluctuate it’s a popular area for mountain bike riding, bush walking, bird watching, photography and family BBQs overlooking great scenery.

The lakes are thought to be about 15 million years old and are a part of a large group of waterways in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Areas including Lake Gandangarra, Lake Werri Berri, Lake Couridjah, Lake Baraba and Lake Nerrigorgang.

Thirlmere Lakes offer a glimpse into locomotive history being the location of the historic Heritage Pump Station once used to replenish steam trains on the old southern railway line. Entry to the park is located just down the road from the NSW Rail Museum showcasing one of Australia’s largest rolling stock collections and round trip steam train rides from the historic Thirlmere station to Buxton. For a great day trip add a visit to the NSW Rail Museum followed by lunch at one of the great café’s in Thirlmere and a walk at Thirlmere Lakes National Park to your itinerary!

The lakes are a perfect spot to visit all year round with stunning orchids and active birdlife along the walking tracks in spring and fantastic photo opportunities of the misty frosty lake in winter. Boasting many native Australia plant and animal species, Thirlmere Lakes are also known for being a bird watching haven and home to the white-faced heron, musk duck and white-bellied sea eagle.  

A decline in water levels over the last decade at the lakes has caused significant local community concern and has led to the development of the Thirlmere Lakes Research Program. However February 2020 has brought much needed water to the lakes once again.