Be surrounded by Mother Nature, breathe in the fresh country air, spot native animals and explore the Dilly from secluded tracks in the bush. We are lucky enough to have a number of National Parks within our Wollondilly region as well as various species of unique plants and wildlife you’d never spot on a city street. Experience rich Indigenous history, stunning views and paths that lead to hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park Walking Track
Distance 6km
Time 1.5-2.5 hrs
Grade 4
Thirlmere Lakes National Park offers a leisurely 6 kilometre trail around three freshwater lakes. Although the water levels in the lake fluctuate it’s a popular area for mountain bike riding, bush walking, bird watching, photography and BBQs overlooking great scenery.
The lakes are thought to be over 15 million years old and are a part of a larger group of waterways in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area including Lake Gandangarra, Lake Werri Berri and Lake Couridjah. Visitors will see many of the 140+ species of waders, waterfowl and woodland birds that call the area home.
The fantastic bird watching walk sets out from Couridjah picnic area. The flat, rough and well-defined loop joins Dry Lakes Road and returns along Slades Road. There is plenty of free parking available as you enter Thirlmere Lakes National Park and follow directions to the Blue Gum Car Park.
Couridjah Corridor Walk
Distance 14km
Time 4-6 hours
Grade 4
The stunning Couridjah Corridor Walk is a 14km return hike than takes in both the Thirlmere Lakes National Park and Nattai National Park. Visitors will discover amazing Australian animals and birds ranging from Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Wallaroos, glossy Black Cockatoos and Owls.
The trail passes by the Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs, sheltered gorges, eucalypt forests and the wetlands of Thirlmere Lakes, taking in some of the best spots throughout both national parks.
The walk begins from either Barbour Road or the Blue Gum Car Park at Thirlmere Lakes. Note bush walking experience is recommended for this track as it’s quite long with limited signage.
Yerranderie Regional Park
Yerranderie Regional Park is popular with history buffs and 4WD adventurers for its mining heritage, forgotten ghost town, bushwalking tracks and old silver mine relics. Visitors can stroll along the main street of the township and poke around the historic buildings, take short bushwalks around the surrounding bushland. At the Yerranderie silver mining fields, you can peer down into the mine from the bridge that lies across the top of one of the large mineshafts.
Getting to Yerranderie involves following approximately 76 kms of dirt road. Turn at signage to Mount Werong, Oberon and follow signs to the park.
The Dilly also has a number of leisurely short walks and picturesque lookout spots such as Picton Botanic Gardens, Burragorang Lookout, Wollondilly Lookout & more.