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://uat.nswparks.cloud/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.
Maps and downloads
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.