Heritage Pump Station
Thirlmere Lakes National Park
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
- 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.
Map
Map legend
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
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Thirlmere Lakes National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Thirmere Lakes is open from from 5.30am to 8pm during daylight savings and 5.30am to 6pm rest of year. The park may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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
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
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
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
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.