Thirlmere

Thirlmere, a semi-rural town in New South Wales' Macarthur Region, is renowned for its rich railway heritage and natural beauty. The NSW Rail Museum, Australia's oldest railway museum, showcases over 125 exhibits, including the iconic 3801 steam locomotive. Visitors can enjoy steam train rides on Sundays during winter months. The Thirlmere Lakes National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, features five freshwater lakes surrounded by bushland, offering picnic spots, walking tracks, and diverse birdlife. The town's annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam attracts thousands, celebrating its railway history with steam train rides, markets, and live entertainment.