Leura
Located east of Katoomba on the Blue Mountains National Park outskirts, Leura is often considered the most picturesque village with stunning views of the Blue Mountains. It boasts charming historic homes, beautifully landscaped gardens, pleasant weather, and a town centre recognized by the National Trust, featuring cherry trees that attract attention from social media users during the blooming season.
Leura, a lovely town in the Blue Mountains
When visiting Sydney, most travellers have the Blue Mountains on their bucket list, and why not? The lush terrain has wildlife, spectacular views, and various activities. The valley has spectacular peaks, and you will be satisfied no matter your hobbies. But how can you get to this fantastic location?
This trendy destination offers visitors various activities, from hiking and cycling to horse riding and wine tasting. The village is also a whole of life, with great restaurants, walks and squares to visit. During the summer, many people flock to Leura to enjoy the festivals and the inspiring, breathtaking views of the town. Residents also find time to shop, dine, and take some of the most incredible walks in Australia.
Leura provides nature wild walks, eco-tours, and self-guided excursions for visitors to learn about the Blue Mountains and its environs. It’s also a popular stop on many a Blue Mountains tour, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and local charm.
Historical background of Leura
According to archaeological evidence, the Dharugas were the area’s original inhabitants. Native Australians lived in the region more than 12,000 years ago, when the environment was considerably more severe than it is now, according to archaeological discoveries in the Lairbird Valley in southern Leura.
Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, William Charles Wentworth, James Burns, their assistant, and three unidentified people were the first Europeans to explore the area in 1813. George Evans’ expedition arrived in November 1813, William Cox’s construction crew followed the next year, and many more travelled west and back over the next fifty years.
When the Western Railway was being built over the Blue Mountains in 1867–1868, a guardhouse (number 9) was built near the site of the current Sorensen Bridge at the crossing with the Western Road. The first permanent European occupants of what is now known as Leura were the guards located there, who engaged in conversation with visitors as they awaited the gate to open.
The finding of coal in the Jamison Valley, located beneath the present Leura Golf Course, during the early 1880s also established early settlements. Following the establishment of the Gladstone Coal Mine in 1885, a shaft was built on the railway line to serve it. The mine closed in 1887, and the sidings were demolished when the railway line was doubled in 1901.
One of the most popular places in the city is the famous Everglades Gardens. These popular gardens are a fantastic example of how to showcase the region’s native shrubs and various international designs. The gardens were inspired and designed by a Danish-born landscape gardener who combined native Australian bush with European-style landscapes in the 1130s. The twelve and a half hectares of the garden have something for everyone. You can picnic, visit the tea room, participate in an outdoor performance, and experience the famous garden’s glory. In the summer, the garden also hosts a Shakespeare Festival, the gallery exhibits works by local artists, and the hectares of the garden are home to beautiful flowers.
Activities and sights to explore in Leura
Everglades Gardens
One of the city’s major attractions is the magnificent Everglades Gardens. These popular gardens are a fantastic example of showcasing the region’s native vegetation and the diversity of international design. The inspiration and design was inspired by a garden created in the 1930s by a Danish landscape gardener who combined native Australian bush with European-style landscapes. The twelve and a half hectares of the garden have something for everyone: a picnic, a visit to the tea room or a game in the open air, and exploring the fashionable gardens in all their glory and stunning views. In addition, the garden features acres of gorgeous flowers, a Shakespeare festival during the summer, and a gallery showcasing local artists.
Sublime Point
Sublime Point is another destination outside the city that is popular with hikers and photographers. The Sublime Point showcases the magnificence of nature, with the peaceful Jamison Valley spreading out below, encouraging reflection amidst the sounds of ancient rock formations and native plants. At sunset, the well-known Three Sisters are visible on a clear day and enchant visitors with stunning views.
The Bushwalks
There are many great hiking trails and amazing views on Leura’s doorstep. These include the Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls, Leura Forest, Sublime Point, Dardanelles Pass, Leura Falls, Jamieson Lookout, Siloam Basin and Fortress Rock. More information about these and other walks can be found on the Wild Walks and Blue Mountains Australia websites.
The Town of Leura Itself
Leura is also an excellent place for a weekend getaway from Sydney. Shopping is one of the most exciting things in this Edwardian-style town, with unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind gifts. Some shops have even been converted from former cottages into individual clothing stores. Even a church has a store! However, shopping is not the major attraction in Leura. There are various dining options here – from Indian and Japanese cuisine to casual cafes and gourmet restaurants, all offering breathtaking views of the beautiful world. Leura is known as a small town in the Blue Mountains region and boasts a sense of style and comfort that cannot be duplicated.
Events and Festivals
Yulefest
Held annually on Katoomba Street, Winter Magic is an energetic, environmentally friendly celebration of the winter season via art and creativity. On June 22, 2019, the festival will return with a new roster that showcases the artistic abilities of the Great Blue Mountains region. This year, instead of the traditional parade, the focus is on interactive events and street shows to offer a captivating experience for locals and tourists.
Leura Gardens Festival
This festival showcases beautiful spring gardens in glorious weather, with various styles and sizes, including new public gardens, returning gardens and old favourites. Located in the picturesque Blue Mountains, 100 kilometres west of Sydney, Leura Gardens is renowned for its magnificent displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods, camellias and other exotic plants from cooler climates, as well as annuals, perennials and flowering bulbs. Travellers from all over Australia and the world are drawn to the public gardens by the vivid display of springtime colours with breathtaking views.
Where to stay
You’ll find some of the best accommodation options in the Blue Mountains.. Family resorts include the Fairmont Resort & Spa, cosy guesthouses and self-catering cottages. Many secluded and romantic cabins are among the town’s beautiful ferns and bushes.
Getting to Leura
Leura is less than five minutes’ drive from Katoomba and one hour and forty minutes’ journey from Sydney. It is also easily accessible by train from Central Station on the Blue Mountains line. The journey will take about two hours.
FAQ
Where is Leura located, and how do I get there?
Leura sits on the outskirts of Blue Mountains National Park, just east of Katoomba. It’s about a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Sydney or a two-hour train ride from Central Station on the Blue Mountains Line. The village is also only a five-minute drive from Katoomba.
What are the must-see attractions in Leura?
Top attractions include the Everglades Gardens with its blend of native Australian bush and European-style landscapes, Sublime Point Lookout for sweeping views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, and scenic bushwalks such as Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls, and Dardanelles Pass. The Edwardian-style town centre also offers boutique shopping and dining.
Are there any festivals or events in Leura?
Yes. Leura Gardens Festival in spring showcases vibrant displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods, and other cool-climate plants. Yulefest brings winter celebrations with art, creativity, and street performances. The nearby Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba is also a popular seasonal event.
What accommodation options are available in Leura?
Visitors can choose from luxury resorts like the Fairmont Resort & Spa, cosy guesthouses, self-catering cottages, and secluded romantic cabins surrounded by native ferns and bushland. There are options to suit families, couples, and solo travellers.
What activities can I do in and around Leura?
Leura offers bushwalking, cycling, and nature tours, plus boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and seasonal festivals. You can explore historic gardens, take scenic lookouts over the Jamison Valley, visit art galleries, and enjoy eco-tours highlighting the Blue Mountains’ native flora and fauna.
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