Thirlmere Lakes National Park

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.