A woman accused of murdering her mother who was hailed a national treasure has been released on bail.

Pioneering Australian climate scientist and award winning conservation author Dr Mary E. White, 92, was found dead in her room at the Warrigal aged care complex in Bundanoon, southern New South Wales, last Sunday night.

Police alleged Dr White succumbed to a lethal combination of pills and drugs before her death.

Her daughter Barbara Mary Eckersley, 67, was charged with the murder of the elderly mother-of-five on Thursday.

She appeared Goulburn Local Court on Friday, where her barrister Hugh White successfully argued her case for bail.

He referred to Ms Eckersley's 'exemplary' character, and that she 'needed time to grieve her mother with her family', the ABC reported.

He also raised concerns about potential lengthy delays before a trial could take place.

'There is a significant delay between charging and appearing before the NSW Supreme Court that could be as long as 18 months,' Mr White told the court.

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie agreed.

'I accept she has strong community ties and this is relevant to the likelihood of her committing further offences,' she said.

Eckersley was given strict bail conditions, where she must remain at her home at Bundanoon, surrender her passport, report to police daily and to not contact Warrigal aged-care centre.

She also had to provide a $20,000 surety and will reappear in Goulburn Local Court on October 3.