Thirlmere Lakes National Park Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Thirlmere Lakes National Park, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, getting there, and more.


Introduction to Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Thirlmere Lakes National Park is located in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia. The park covers an area of 6.5 square kilometers and is known for its scenic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

The park was established in 1972 to protect the Thirlmere Lakes, a group of five freshwater lakes that were once used as a water supply for Sydney. Today, the park offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors, including hiking, wildlife watching, and cultural tours.

List of Places to Visit in Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Thirlmere Museum: Located near the entrance to the park, this museum showcases the history and culture of the Thirlmere area, including the Aboriginal heritage of the region.
  • Menangle Railway Station: A heritage-listed railway station that dates back to 1883. It is the oldest surviving station in the Macarthur region.
  • Barbour Park: A historic park that features a number of old buildings and structures, including the former Barbour family home.

Natural Attractions of Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Thirlmere Lakes: The five lakes that give the park its name are the main attraction, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
  • Mount Alexandra: The highest point in the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Thirlmere Lakes Walking Track: A 6-kilometer walking track that loops around the lakes and offers scenic views of the water and surrounding bushland.
  • Thirlmere Lakes Cultural Walk: A guided tour that explores the cultural history of the park and the Aboriginal heritage of the Thirlmere area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Thirlmere Lakes National Park

  • Thirlmere Lakes Walking Track: A 6-kilometer loop track around the lakes, suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.
  • Mount Alexandra Trail: A 4-kilometer hiking trail to the summit of Mount Alexandra, offering spectacular views of the park and surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Bushwalking: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from short walks to full-day treks. Popular trails include the Thirlmere Lakes Walking Track and the Mount Alexandra Trail.
  • Wildlife watching: The park is home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a wide range of birdlife.
  • Cultural tours: The Thirlmere Lakes Cultural Walk is a guided tour that explores the Aboriginal heritage of the area and the cultural history of the park.

Week-Long Itinerary for Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Day 1: Arrive at Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Take a guided tour of the park to learn about the cultural history of the area.

Day 2: Explore the lakes by boat or kayak. Fishing is also popular in the area.

Day 3: Take the Mount Alexandra Trail to the summit of Mount Alexandra for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Day 4: Visit the Thirlmere Museum to learn more about the history of the Thirlmere area.

Day 5: Explore the nearby Barbour Park and Menangle Railway Station.

Day 6: Relax at the lakeside and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Day 7: Depart Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pies: The Southern Highlands region is famous for its pies, with a wide range of flavors available.
  • Local cheeses: The area around Thirlmere is home to several artisanal cheese producers, offering a range of high-quality cheeses.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: The Southern Highlands is home to several award-winning wineries, with a range of varietals available.
  • Beer: A number of local breweries offer a range of craft beers, made using locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hillview Farmstay: A working farm offering comfortable accommodation and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Thirlmere Lakeside Lodge: Self-contained cabins located on the shores of the Thirlmere Lakes.
  • Menangle House: A historic guesthouse located in nearby Menangle.

What to Buy in Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local artisanal cheeses
  • Handmade crafts and jewelry
  • Wines and beers from local producers

Local Culture and Customs of Thirlmere Lakes National Park

The Thirlmere Lakes area has a rich Aboriginal heritage, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the local culture and customs. The Thirlmere Lakes Cultural Walk is a guided tour that explores the cultural history of the area, including traditional Aboriginal dreaming stories and the use of native flora and fauna for food and medicine.

Best Time to Visit Thirlmere Lakes National Park

The best time to visit Thirlmere Lakes National Park is in the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Do:

  • Take a guided tour to learn about the cultural history of the area
  • Respect the local environment and wildlife
  • Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen

Don’t:

  • Swim in areas where swimming is prohibited
  • Feed or disturb the local wildlife
  • Start fires outside of designated areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Visitors to Thirlmere Lakes National Park should take care when hiking and exploring the park, and should always follow designated trails and safety instructions. In the summer months, bushfires can be a risk, so visitors should be aware of fire danger ratings and follow evacuation instructions if necessary.

Health in Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Visitors should bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, particularly in the summer months when temperatures can be high. There are no medical facilities within the park, so visitors with medical conditions should ensure they have appropriate medication and supplies with them.

Getting to Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Thirlmere Lakes National Park

The nearest airport to Thirlmere Lakes National Park is Sydney Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Thirlmere Lakes National Park

The nearest bus station to Thirlmere Lakes National Park is located in nearby Picton, approximately 5 kilometers away.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to the park, with plenty of parking available at the entrance to the park.

How to Get Around in Thirlmere Lakes National Park

The park is best explored on foot, with several hiking trails available for visitors. Bikes are also permitted on some trails, but visitors should be aware that certain areas are off-limits to bikes.

Where to Go Next from Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sydney

Australia’s largest city is just a short drive away from Thirlmere Lakes National Park, offering a range of attractions and experiences, including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the famous Bondi Beach.

Blue Mountains National Park

Located just a short drive to the west of Thirlmere Lakes National Park, the Blue Mountains National Park offers stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and bushwalking.

Conclusion

Thirlmere Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of activities and experiences, the park is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and interests.