Thirlmere is a small semi-rural town in the Macarthur Region of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, in the Wollondilly Shire.

Popularly known for its railway origins, the town is located 89 km south west of the Sydney Central Business District.

The lakes area is generally sheltered, providing an ideal home to many freshwater inhabitants such as platypuses, mussels, jellyfish, and a wide variety of water birds.

[citation needed] The museum also operates excursion trains from Sydney to Thirlmere hauled by steam and/or diesel locomotives.

As well as being an important environment ecosystem, Thirlmere Lakes (managed by the NSW Parks & Wildlife Service) is a popular picnic spot for locals and day trippers from Sydney, who take advantage of the free electric barbecues.

Covering an area of 627 hectares (1,550 acres), there are several sand beaches, with the lakes (with a maximum depth of 6m) being popular for kayaking and canoeing.

This prominently featured the main street of Thirlmere, including many shots of the pub, local stores, railway station, and surrounding countryside.