Leura

Parks & gardens 

The magnificent seasonal colours of the Blue Mountains are on full display during the annual Leura Gardens Festival every October, when a number of private estates open their grounds to the public. But many of the region’s splendid parks and gardens are open throughout the year. Don’t miss the historic Art Deco house, Everglades, which is National Trust -listed and draws on the great tradition of European garden design through the visionary work of Danish gardener, Paul Sorensen. 

Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura

Walks amid nature 

Explore amazing walks within easy reach of Leura – while some might seem long on paper, you can always do just a section and turn around to return once you feel like you have had enough. Head to Elysian Rock and Olympian Rock lookouts for incredible views of the Jamison Valley and the rear end of the Three Sisters. Both walks will take you less than 20 minutes to complete. 

More incredible vistas can be taken in from the aptly-named Sublime Point, a 5km return walk; while Gordon Falls tumbles 200m down the escarpment and marks the end of the seven-kilometre Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba. For a tranquil picnic, spread your blanket under soaring gums eucalypts at pretty Leura Cascades – it’s a 1.5km return walk. 

Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park

Meanwhile, the challenging (but popular) Furber Steps walk offers superb views over Jamison Valley. Descending into the valley, you’ll enter a world of lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls. As you stop to gaze across at majestic Mount Solitary rising out of the valley floor, you might hear the call of the catbird or wompa pigeon.

The recently opened Grand Cliff Top Walk is a 19km, two-day trek that starts at Wentworth Falls and ends at Katoomba. It’s an ideal way to see many of the highlights in the Blue Mountains National Park, and it is recommended that hikers stay overnight in Leura.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains - Credit: R Brand/DPE

Retail therapy 

Leura is also the Mountains’ most vibrant shopping centre, with a host of eclectic homewares, fashion and antique shops. Browse for gifts and retro clothing, marvel at the extensive teapot collection and other antiques at Bygone Beautys. A collective of Blue Mountains artisans and makers, The Nook is stocked with everything from macrame plant hangers and handmade pottery to silk scarves and silver trinkets as well as fashion and homewares. 

Wiradjuri artist Brett Groves is the founder and creator of Bilingarra Indigenous Art and Culture in Leura, where you can view his incredible works and even join an art workshop. Then stock up on delicious homemade chocolates at Josophan's – they sell blocks, clusters, drinking chocolate, ice-cream toppings and much more.

If you want to hear the stories and legends of the Blue Mountains, sign up for a guided walk with Mountains Tales – your host has lived here all her life, and there’s not much she doesn’t know about this part of the world.  

Josophan's Chocolate Shop, Leura - Credit: Sydney Adventure Tours

Restaurants, cafes & bars 

Leura Gourmet looks like a regular cafe on the main street, but the seating area at the back has spectacular views over the valley through floor-to-ceiling windows. It's a great spot for breakfast and lunch, or you can pick up local gourmet treats to take with you on a picnic. To capture the botanical essence of the village, don’t miss brunch at Sorensen’s Glasshouse, a plant nursery and cafe tucked away in a shady back street. 

If you want to splash out, Embers Restaurant at the Fairmont not only dazzles with impeccable cuisine, but also offers stunning vistas over the Jamison Valley. Warm up with the best hot chocolate in the Blue Mountains at Josophan's Fine Chocolates or enjoy a cocktail at the cosy Polar Bear of Leura. 

Embers Restaurant inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura

Where to stay

You’ll find some of the finest accommodation in the Blue Mountains in Leura, from family-friendly resorts such as Fairmont Resort & Spa to cosy guesthouses and self-contained cottages. There are also many secluded and romantic cottages nestled among the gorgeous ferns and bushland surrounding the town. 

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel

Getting there

Leura is just over a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and is less than five minutes from Katoomba. It is also easily accessed by train from Central Station on the Blue Mountains line, and the journey takes around two hours.