Don’t let the frigid weather scare you off — winter is actually one of the most whimsical times to plan a getaway. Several scenic drives are especially delightful this time of year, small towns come into their own as the temperatures drop, and national parks are often at their best in the cooler months. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Mountains, Leura is one of our favourite year-round getaways, but it’s particularly tranquil in winter — minus the peak-season swarm of tourists. The mountain town easily sets itself apart with spectacular cool-climate gardens, quaint cottages, and a vibrant main street with plenty of spots to warm up by the fire. Here’s why you should plan a trip to this oh-so-pretty town during winter.
Things to do in Leura this winter
The Blue Mountains isn’t short on outstanding little towns, but anyone who’s visited will tell you Leura packs a punch. Often dubbed one of the prettiest in NSW, its charm is only accentuated in winter, with heritage buildings, cosy cafés, quirky attractions, and boutique stores, plus easy access to outdoor adventures and natural wonders right on its doorstep. It’s also conveniently located a stone’s throw from Sydney, so it’s the kind of getaway that needs zero planning.
Leura offers a dazzling mix of cold-weather activities. You can start slow with a stroll through the picturesque Everglades House & Gardens and take in the sweeping scenery of the Blue Mountains at every turn, browse the eclectic teapot collection and other antiques at Bygone Beautys, or indulge in a decadent hot chocolate from the famous Josophan’s for a perfect seasonal sweet treat.
Too cold outside? Leura’s excellent collection of shops offers the perfect excuse to linger indoors. Pick up hand-crafted trinkets at The Nook, hunt for unique antique goods at Leura Vintage, browse stylish accessories at Teddy Sinclair, or curl up with your next great read from Megalong Books.
Wondering where to eat and drink after all that exploring? Cafe-hopping is practically a rite of passage here.
Our top pick for a cosy winter meal is Sorensen’s Glasshouse, a glass-walled café tucked inside a leafy plant nursery, serving hearty brunches and tasty baked goods in a tranquil forest setting. Red Door Cafe is another welcoming, warm space with country decor and breakfast and lunch classics, while The Laneway is the place to go for quality coffee. Local recommendations also include Lily’s Pad, a quaint space known for its in-house baked breads, and Freudian Sip, a laidback, dog-friendly cafe with a crackling fireplace and vintage reads to settle in with.
What else can you do?
Who says you can’t go hiking in winter? Take, for instance, the Grand Cliff Top Walk, which is arguably better — and quieter — in the cold. Linking Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba, the 19km trail showcases some of the most brilliant sky-high views of the mountains. For something shorter, try the 7km Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which runs from Echo Point to Gordon’s Falls, and is packed with lookouts, waterfalls, and iconic sights like the Three Sisters.
Leura Cascades is another wonderful natural attraction, a moderately challenging walk in the heart of Blue Mountains National Park, where you can pack a picnic and take in the serene, fern-filled scenery all year round. Read more about Leura and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Leura is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Sydney. It’s also easily accessible by public transport with regular trains from Central to Leura Station daily, with the total journey taking no more than 2 hours. It’s just a 5-minute drive from Katoomba and a 15-minute drive from Blackheath, making it a great base for exploring all the major towns in the region. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.