Heritage Pump Station

Thirlmere Lakes National Park

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Overview

For a bit of locomotive history near Picton, visit the Heritage Pump Station. This historic site was once used to replenish steam trains on the old southern railway line.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
Thirlmere Lakes National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Hard
What to
bring
Drinking water
Please note

There's limited mobile reception in this park.

In the not too distant past, Heritage Pump Station delivered water to Couridjah to replenish the steam locomotives on the old southern railway after their long haul up the steep grade from Picton.

Today, steam train fans and history buffs will love checking out this fascinating link with Thirlmere’s locomotive history. The restored sandstone heritage pumphouse is the only remaining example of a building of its kind, and is a great place to visit if you’re thinking about day trips from Picton, Tahmoor and Campbelltown.

There are detailed information displays to let you and your kids learn more about this historic site. Be sure to explore the original pump housekeeper’s track or Thirlmere Lakes walking track and stop for a picnic at Werri Berri picnic area.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/heritage-pump-station/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Heritage Pump Station.

Getting there and parking

Heritage Pump Station is accessed from 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 onto 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.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Couridjah picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

Admire the ground orchids and active birdlife along Thirlmere Lakes track, or enjoy a pleasant picnic and barbecue at Lake Couridjah picnic area.

Winter

Photo opportunities with frost and misty lakes make this a great time of year to capture an iconic photograph.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

14°C and 28°C

Highest recorded

42.8°C

Winter temperature

Average

2°C and 17°C

Lowest recorded

-10° C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

245.9mm

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Heritage Pump Station is in Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Birdwatcher’s paradise

    White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

    The pristine waters of Thirlmere Lakes National Park provide the perfect sanctuary for more than 140 species of birds, which can be spotted in and around the area. As you’re walking along the Thirlmere Lakes track, keep an eye out for waders and waterfowl. Other birds you may encounter while you’re exploring include the white-faced heron, musk duck, pacific black duck pied cormorant, Australasian grebe, and white-bellied sea eagle.

    • Thirlmere Lakes walking track Thirlmere Lakes walking track is a 6km walk around three of the park’s lakes and picnic areas - Gandangarra, Werri-Berri and Couridjah - and the historic Heritage Pump Station.
    • Werri Berri picnic area Werri Berri picnic area is a great spot for picnicking or barbecuing by the lake. You can even walk the nearby Thirlmere Lakes track or visit the Heritage Pump Station.

    Rock and roll

    Reflections in the lake, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Formed over millions of years from the effects of weather and erosion, the majestic Hawkesbury sandstone which surrounds Thirlmere Lakes is a sight to behold. With sandstone plateau slopes which meander downward from the east and west, meeting in the middle to form Blue Gum Creek, the water rolls perfectly down into this idyllic spot where you can swim and go paddling.

    • Werri Berri picnic area Werri Berri picnic area is a great spot for picnicking or barbecuing by the lake. You can even walk the nearby Thirlmere Lakes track or visit the Heritage Pump Station.

    Steam train locomotive history

    Pump house, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Water from the lakes was once pumped to Couridjah to replenish steam train locomotives on the old southern railway line. Historically significant remnants of this era remain in the park, including the restored sandstone Heritage Pump Station and the pump housekeeper’s track.

    • Heritage Pump Station For a bit of locomotive history near Picton, visit the Heritage Pump Station. This historic site was once used to replenish steam trains on the old southern railway line.

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