Leura, Blue Mountains Region — New South Wales

Leura is a suburb in Blue Mountains, a city west of Sydney in New South Wales. This suburb and the rest of the city is a popular holiday destination due to its cool climate and spectacular views.

The suburb also boasts of several historic structures within its borders. One of which is the Hotel Alexandra, the only hotel found within Leura that offers dining and entertainment, apart from accommodations. This structure was built in 1903 and was named after the British monarch Queen Alexandra. Its balcony affords spectacular views of the surrounding areas, particularly the Blue Mountains National Park.

The Leura Mall, the suburb’s center of commercial activity, is a popular destination of locals and visitors alike. It is also one of the city’s main shopping destinations, with its variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Places of interest include the Candy Shop with its rows and rows of candy jars filled with every kind of sweets imaginable, and the Leura Fine Woodwork, where wooden hand-carved items are available. Art exhibits are also featured at the nearby Breewood Gallery.

Another good destination for strolling is the Leura Country Gardens Nursery along Megalong Street. This nursery provides opportunity for visitors to be acquainted with some of the plants growing in the area.

Another interesting attraction in Leura is the Leuralla, an art deco mansion, located along Olympian Parade. This fine piece of architectural beauty is quite an impressive sight in such a rural setting. This structure is also where the NSW Toy and Railway Museum and Gardens are located.

Exploration of the suburb’s natural attractions can start on Cliff Drive, where several picnic areas abound. This area also affords beautiful views of the Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, and the Ruined Castle. Along Chelmsford Drive, there’s the Leura Falls Picnic Area that also serves as the starting point of the Leura Cascades/Leura Forest Walk. The walk takes visitors right down to the Jamison Valley, where’s there’s plenty of opportunities for bird watching. Other notable destinations within the area are the Bridal Veil Falls, the Lila Falls, and the Linda Falls.

Also located nearby is the Fairmont Resort, which offers amenities for tennis, squash, swimming, and other games. There are also several eating establishments located within the area, and outdoor dining is a popular activity. This is also a good starting point for bushwalking to Gladstone Lookout and the Cathedral Point. A good round of golf is available virtually next door, at the Leura Golf Course.

Bushwalking to Sublime Point Lookout is a popular activity for most tourists, primarily because this is considered one of the best lookouts in the area. Arriving at this lookout will not only yield breathtaking views, but also a distinct feeling of communing with nature.

And visitors shouldn’t leave Leura without a visit to the Everglades Gardens, along Everglades Avenue. This property is included in the National Trust list, all five hectares of flowering plant species and bushland. The property also features a gift shop, a house built in Art Deco style, and showcases memorabilia on Paul Sorenson, the gardens’ landscape designer.