The area now known as Thirlmere was first traversed by Europeans as early as 1798 (Wilson), whose attention was more focused on Thirlmere Lakes (Barrallier, 1802) and finding an alternate route north towards Bathurst.
In the earliest days it was part of the general geographic area south of Appin known as ‘Bargo’. Although a few settlers took up grants near the Lakes in the 1830’s, they remained isolated on the fringes of the greater settlement at Picton.
Thirlmere, like many towns, was born with the coming of the Great Southern Railway in 1863 to 1867, when a large temporary tent city grew up to house the railway workers. It was valued mostly for the proximity of the lakes (then called Picton Lakes) which were used to provide water for the steam trains, pumped to a siding at nearby Couridjah. The Lakes, however, attracted day trippers on the railway until the advent of the motor car made other destinations more accessible.
Only an hour from the city, Thirlmere is an ideal place for a day’s outing, with a number of things to do and see. Better still, stay longer at one of the excellent B&B’s.
Most people like to take in the Railway Museum, which is definitely worth a day’s visit for its own sake for train buffs and kids, allow several hours to wander in and around the historic trains, carriages, and displays; a good book and souvenir shop. A ride on the steam train to Picton or Buxton is a must (weekends and school holidays); try to pick a weekend when the Buxton Rail Craft Markets are open.
There is also a regular village market in Thirlmere. Good hotel, bakery, take away food. Picnic area with tables and electric BBQ’s in the centre of town. Stroll round the streets to see some country architecture still standing since the 19th century.
Although bypassed by the main railway line, and later the southern freeway, in the last 20years Thirlmere’s proximity to the city has made it an attractive rural residential area for people who commute to work. Today the steam trains are back – at the NSW Heritage Railway Museum in Thirlmere – and run regularly on the line between Picton and Buxton.
Together with the beauty of the Lakes, picnic areas, train rides, and the peacefulness of the countryside. Thirlmere is an attractive day’s outing for families of travelers and city folk seeking to escape from the bustle of modern life.
Take a scenic drive in the country from Picton through Thirlmere, Lakesland and Oakdale to Burragorang lookout; return via The Oaks and Camden. Plenty of picnic spots along the way. If you’ve only ever seen steam trains on TV, a visit to the railway Museum is a must. Lots of things to see and do here and you can climb over some of the exhibits. Don’t miss out on the steam train rides and experience the thrill of traveling back into the past.