When it comes to neighbourhoods worth exploring, the Blue Mountains are not lacking. Offering a plethora of inventive eateries, kitschy boutiques, and heritage buildings, the small towns in the area come with big personalities. While at first glance, Leura might seem like any other town in the Blue Mountains, it has its own distinct identity and vibe which is flanked by tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, elegant buildings, and lush cool-climate gardens. Just shy of 5,000 people, the town is objectively pretty and gets prettier with the onset of seasonal colour with cherry blossoms taking over the main street, the gardens springing to life with colour, and an old-town chic atmosphere which makes it all the more enticing for a stroll with a coffee in hand. Here are all the things you need to see, eat, and do in the charming town of Leura.
Leura, Blue Mountains
Among the standout attractions of Leura are European-style gardens, quaint cottages, cosy shops offering collectibles and vintage shopping, and excellent cafes and restaurants. Like anywhere in the Blue Mountains, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with a variety of bushwalks, lookouts, picturesque cascades, and natural wonders within easy reach. Here are some of the highlights to check off your list if you’re planning a weekend getaway.
1. Visit the Everglades House and Gardens
The lovely Everglades gardens are a standout attraction in Leura and a must-visit if you’re in the area. Offering sweeping views across Jamison Valley and stunning Art Deco architecture, the gardens have many lovely areas worth exploring including serene grottos, meandering trails, a beautiful amphitheater, and seasonal blooms in spring and autumn like cherry blossoms and tulips. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the picturesque spot to get a true sense of its beauty. There is an entry fee of $17 for adults, book your tickets at the door or on the official website.
2. Pack a picnic at Leura Cascades
The Leura Cascades picnic area is a popular spot for a leisurely picnic and birdwatching surrounded by rugged mountain views. You can also combine your picnic with a bushwalk and tackle the moderately challenging Fern Bower circuit walk in the Blue Mountains National Park which offers cliff views and stunning waterfalls on the way. There is no parking at the picnic area, but National Parks NSW advises visitors to park near Solitary Restaurant or Carrington Park, not too far from Leura Cascades.
3. Grab brunch at the local cafes
Leura is a blossoming foodie hotspot, packed with excellent cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. For breakfast, brunch, or very good coffee, you can’t go wrong with the Instagram-famous Sorensen’s Glasshouse and Gardens, a tranquil spot hidden in the woods with two acres of lovely gardens. Leura Gourmet on the main street offers excellent gourmet breakfast and lunch with excellent views over the valley to boot. Other fail-safe eating places in Leura include local Blue Mountains favourite Red Door Cafe, The Laneway serving stellar coffee and sandwiches, and Embers Restaurant at the Fairmont if you’re looking to treat yourself. Plus, don’t forget to stop by Josophan’s Fine Chocolates for arguably some of the best hot chocolate in the area.
4. Visit the Teapot museum
One of Leura’s most original and whimsical offerings, the Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms are a delightful spot for kids and adults alike. Tea lovers will be fascinated with their staggering collection of teapots — more than 11,000 from around the world. The museum boasts some of the world’s largest private collection of teawares and visitors can also enjoy traditional high tea and Devonshire tea at the lovely Tea Room on-site. There is a small entry fee to the museum and the Tea Room takes its last orders at 4.50pm so plan accordingly. Read more about the charming spot here.
5. Go bushwalking in the area
Like the neighbouring towns of Katoomba and Blackheath, Leura also offers a diverse variety of outdoor adventure and natural wonders worth carving out time for. Walk the short and easy 20-minute trail to Elysian Rock and Olympian Rock lookouts for incredible views of Jamison Valley and beyond or go on the 7km Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba for more excellent views and crisp mountain air. Nearby, you can also try the relatively new Grand Clifftop Walk that starts at Wentworth Falls and ends at Katoomba with some of the best features of the Blue Mountains highlighted along the way.
6. Indulge in a sauna and cold plunge session
Leura is home to the popular Blue Mountains Sauna, one of the best bathhouses in the area. First, decompress in the 90c sauna and then make your way to the cool plunge pool. The European-style sauna culture encourages a community-based spa routine and offers many benefits including stress reduction, cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, and joint movement. A visit here will leave you feeling rejuvenated and sufficiently de-stressed. Book your spot here.
Read more about Leura and find accomodation options here.
Getting to Leura
Leura is a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and a short 5-minute drive from Katoomba. Direct trains run from Central to Leura Station daily with a total travel time of just about 2 hours. The main street is a quick walk from the station so you’ll have quick access to the local cafes, shopping, and more.