Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is a protected area of five freshwater lakes about 95 km southwest of Sydney, with a 6 km walking track around three of them. The park's standout feature is its lakes walking track, and Werri Berri picnic area has free barbecues, tables and toilets.
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About Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Lakes Walking Track at Thirlmere Lakes National Park
The 6 km Thirlmere Lakes walking track is the park’s main trail. It circles three of the five lakes and passes the Gandangarra, Werri Berri and Couridjah picnic areas. The walk starts from Couridjah picnic area. The track is rated moderate and is well defined, but it has no directional signage. Walkers following the track pass the lake edges and the picnic areas, so the circuit covers the park’s main lakes in one outing.
Werri Berri Picnic Area at Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Werri Berri picnic area is the park’s main facility stop, sitting beside Lake Werri Berri. It has free barbecues for visitors who want to cook a lakeside picnic, along with public toilets. The picnic area also sits on the walking track, so walkers and picnickers can use the same stop. Werri Berri is one of three picnic areas the walking track links, alongside Couridjah and Gandangarra.
Lakes and Wildlife at Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Thirlmere Lakes National Park protects Lake Gandangarra, Lake Werri Berri, Lake Couridjah, Lake Baraba and Lake Nerrigorang. Two of the lakes have dried out since the mid-1980s because groundwater has been removed for coal mining at the Tahmoor Colliery. The park has about 140 bird species, including white-faced heron, musk duck and white-bellied sea eagle. Ground orchids are colourful in spring, adding to the native plants around the lakes.
Facilities at Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Visitor tips for Thirlmere Lakes National Park
- ✓The park may close at times for poor weather or fire danger, so check the visitor information before setting out.
- ✓Swimming and canoeing are not allowed when water levels are low, so check the lakes before planning a swim or paddle.
Getting to Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is at Thirlmere NSW 2572, just west of Thirlmere. Enter via Pumphouse Road or Slades Road. From Picton, travel south along Remembrance Drive, then follow Thirlmere Way, Richardson Street and Barbour Road. The park is not accessible by public transport. Parking is at Werri Berri picnic area.
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- 📍Picton
Frequently asked questions about Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Are dogs allowed at Thirlmere Lakes National Park?
No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted, apart from certified assistance animals.
Is there public transport to Thirlmere Lakes National Park?
No public transport serves the park, so visitors drive in through Pumphouse Road or Slades Road.
What are the opening hours at Thirlmere Lakes National Park?
The park opens at 5.30am and closes at 8pm during daylight saving, and at 6pm for the rest of the year.
Is there an entry fee for Thirlmere Lakes National Park?
No park entry fees are collected at present, although the fee policy is under review.