Iconic Blue Mountains hotel reopens after a luxury transformation

Guided by a bold new vision, this heritage-listed retreat is writing its next chapter.

Long considered one of the most prestigious addresses in the Blue Mountains, Lilianfels has always maintained its rank among the region’s top stays. But even icons must evolve with the times.

In a move that will ensure its future is as impressive as its past, the hotel has undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and reopened as part of the prestigious Ardour Hotels & Estates portfolio.

The transformation of Lilianfels

Originally built in 1889 as a summer residence for NSW Chief of Justice Sir Frederick Darley, Lilianfels carries a fascinating history. Found on the outskirts of Katoomba, the property once served as a rural retreat for high society, welcoming guests like the Duchess of York and Australia’s first prime minister, Sir Edmund Barton.

Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains in Katoomba, NSW — Lilianfels was originally built as a private summer residence.

Like most private estates of the time, Lilianfels was eventually sold to hoteliers in 1992, who transformed it into accommodation, adding an 85-room wing. Now, the resort has evolved once again; its second refurbishment in over 130 years.

Due to this enduring legacy, Ardour wasn’t interested in reinventing Lilianfels when it took over the property in 2025. Instead, the luxury accommodation brand, owned by Salter Brothers Hospitality, has maintained the hotel’s storied past while shifting it into the present.

“Lilianfels embodies the very essence of Australian mountain luxury. For decades, it has welcomed generations of families, dignitaries, socialites and celebrities, whilst standing as a beloved icon for the Blue Mountains region," says Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality.

“Our vision for this project was guided by a profound responsibility to honour Lilianfels’ history and preserve its original character, whilst introducing world-class luxury hospitality."

The transformation of Lilianfels isn’t a first for Ardour, either. Earlier this year, the Australian-based brand unveiled Ardour Milton Park Bowral to widespread acclaim, setting the benchmark for its next chapter.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

An elevated guest experience

While Ardour’s vision was guided by preservation rather than reinvention, guests will notice plenty of changes throughout the property. The redesign was delivered in collaboration with Sydney-based firm Luchetti Krelle, which drew inspiration from England’s eccentric garden estates to honour Lilianfels’ heritage.

All 89 staterooms have been reimagined through a contemporary lens, featuring bespoke bedheads, custom textiles and statement furniture. This refreshed feel extends into the hotel’s common areas, where a modern wine wall and revamped reception create a sophisticated look.

While beloved dining destinations like Darley’s Restaurant and Miss Lilian remain untouched, Ardour has introduced a range of new culinary experiences for guests. From a roving cheese station and refreshed menu to an exclusive caviar service and new central bar (The Lounge), guests will discover a renewed focus on food and drink.

“Second to the visual transformation, our refined culinary experience is where Ardour luxury will really be felt by guests," says newly appointed executive chef, Kam McManamey.

“The Lounge has been created to become the heartbeat of the hotel. It’s an entirely new atmosphere designed to flow between pre-dinner cocktails, a three-course sit-down meal or a late-night whiskey. Our new menu offers a much more elevated, contemporary take on classics to blend old and new."

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Iconic Blue Mountains hotel reopens after a luxury transformation

Guided by a bold new vision, this heritage-listed retreat is writing its next chapter.

The transformation of Lilianfels

An elevated guest experience

Planning your stay

Blue Mountains accommodation: 21 stunning places to book now

Iconic Emirates Wolgan Valley to reopen as first-ever Ritz Carlton Lodge this year

The new tiny home offering views of a Blue Mountains icon

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.