Trail Fast Facts
Thirlmere Lakes walking track is a 6km, grade 5 hike in Thirlmere Lakes National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
A fantastic birdwatching walk, Thirlmere Lakes walking track is unmarked but well-defined. Setting out from Couridjah picnic area, the flat, enjoyable 6km loop joins Dry Lakes Road and passes Werri Berri picnic area and Heritage Pump Station as you return along Slades Road. Even though there's no directional signage, you'll have no trouble finding your way.
Encircling three of the lakes - Gandangarra, Werri-Berri and Couridjah - here you'll see many of the 140+ species of waders, waterfoul and woodland birds that visit the area. Among them are white-faced herons, musk ducks, pacific black ducks, pied cormorants, Australasian grebes, and white-bellied sea eagles.
The mild weather of spring and autumn is the best time to enjoy this pretty walk and admire the lovely ground orchids, wetland and woodland vegetation, as well as aquatic plants.
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Tips
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Trailhead
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Getting there
Thirlmere Lakes walking track starts at Couridjah picnic area in the southern precinct of Thirlmere Lakes National Park. To get there:If travelling north from Buxton on West Parade, turn left into Slades Road or Pumphouse Road.If travelling south from Picton, turn right onto Slades Road and continue to the picnic area, which will be on the left. Parking Parking is available at Couridjah picnic area.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
About the region
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, and makes a great day trip from Sydney. 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 due to low water levels.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Thirlmere Lakes National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.