Leura Accommodation: 10 Charming Places To Escape To

From a retreat in a historic nunnery to sprawling resorts and contemporary builds with jaw-dropping views, Leura accommodation is bursting with country charm from all angles.

The stunning Blue Mountains region is a natural playground for all seasons, from frosty winter escapes to wildflower walks come spring, admiring changing leaves in autumn and relishing the cool summer breeze. Charming and historic Leura is a beautiful base from which to explore nearby towns and national parks. With adorable cottages set in manicured gardens, Leura accommodation is all about country charm, both contemporary and restored. Here’s our pick of the best stays.

1. Greenleaf Cottage

Best for: Rekindling romance and enjoying the town centre.
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This gorgeous, two-bedroom cottage has been tenderly renovated throughout with a respect for the dwelling’s original style, while bringing a more contemporary feel.

the living room door opened at Greenleaf Cottage, Leura — The bright and airy dining space overflows onto the deck.

A luxe Victoria + Albert bath begs to be slipped into and the incredible kitchen suggests dinner enjoyed in, while a cosy fireplace clinches the deal for a cosy night spent by flickering flames. A generous 1pm checkout time makes this Leura Mall spot perfect for weekend escapes.

the exterior of Greenleaf Cottage, Leura — Slip into the charming and cosy Greenleaf Cottage.

2. Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Best for: Those looking for an all-in-one escape to suit everyone from couples to families and groups.
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Part of the M Gallery collection, this sprawling resort is angled to take in dramatic Jamison Valley views in the World-Heritage Blue Mountains National Park.

Unwind in the pool at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

The captivating backdrop sets the scene for a stay attuned to the finer things, such as elegant dining and bars, the Ubika Day Spa, 18-hole golf club, indoor and outdoor pools and gymnasium. The vast resort also caters to families with school holiday programs, a Kidszone and ice-skating rink.

women relaxing at Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort &Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains — Relax in the pristine surrounds at Ubika Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Brightlands Retreat, Leura

Best for: Those seeking to rest, recover and restore.
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Set in a breathtakingly beautiful and historic nunnery, this retreat will enliven tired souls with fresh mountain air and a rotating timetable of nurturing yoga and wellness classes, as well as an onsite spa and all-inclusive nourishing meals. Guests can choose to design their own retreat or join a scheduled program and combine their stay with a guided, educational walk or group bushwalk, or excursions to potter the boutiques at Leura or Katoomba.

4. Old Leura Dairy

Best for: Those who enjoy a well-appointed time warp and appreciate the love put into this historic stay.
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Evident by its name, this restored former dairy is rich with Blue Mountains heritage and charm. Now a collection of cottages, guests can opt to stay in the Milking Shed, The Studio, Buttercup Barn, Moo Manor, The Workers Cottage or The Straw Bale House, each deeply enriched and styled with bygone country grace.

the Old Leura Dairy Studio bedroom — Old Leura Dairy is rich with heritage and charm.

Step back in time at this bewitching stay just a 15-minute walk into Leura and right on the doorstep of the Blue Mountains National Park.

the bedroom at Straw Bale House, Old Leura Dairy — Bed down in the charming Straw Bale House.

5. Orchard Cottage

Best for: Appreciators of interior design and those who love to cook and entertain.
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Elegant and luxe, this white-washed cottage takes style cues from the Hamptons and is beautifully detailed with tactile and warm finishes that anchor the abode in its Australian bush setting. With herringbone brick and hardwood flooring, elegant panelling and marble benchtops, this chic stay has even featured in Home Beautiful magazine.

the exterior of Orchard Cottage, Leura — Orchard Cottage is an elegant retreat within an Australian bush setting.

The five-bedroom retreat features open fireplaces, an outdoor pizza oven and entertaining space, integrated speakers, an incredible kitchen with a butler’s pantry and high-end amenities. You’re also just five minutes’ walk from the centre of town, should you find a reason to leave this dream home.

an outdoor dining area at Orchard Cottage, Leura — The white-washed cottage is beautifully detailed with tactile and warm finishes.

6. Banksia Cottage

Best for: Groups looking to retreat to nature amid serenity.
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A tranquil, bush-hemmed escape, this contemporary, self-contained three-bedroom cottage is ideal for mountain retreats with friends or family.

a bedroom with windows at Banksia Cottage, Leura — Sleep next to scenic nature views at Banksia Cottage.

A sun-drenched deck is the perfect place to inhale the scented mountain air as you savour your morning coffee, while the indoor heating ensures winter stays are entirely cosy. Directly across the road, you can access the Lyrebird Dell scenic walk that meanders down to Gordon Falls.

the dining table facing a window at Banksia Cottage — Take in the lush views as you savour your morning coffee.

7. Abbey House

Best for: Sleek stays with mates.
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Light, bright and newly renovated in a modern aesthetic of blonde wood tones and open-plan layout, this fresh, garden-enclosed house is a short walk to Leura Mall and Gordon Falls Lookout.

a garden with trees and pink flowers at Abbey House, Leura — Settle into the charming garden-enclosed Abbey House.

Perfect for group escapes, the three-bedroom abode sleeps eight people who will relish crowding around the outdoor firepit on cool evenings and huddling by the living room fireplace on wintry nights.

the bedroom at Abbey House — The three-bedroom abode sleeps eight people.

8. Varenna, Leura

Best for: Jaunts to relish the past and those who love Edwardian-era architecture.
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If you’re looking to retreat into an era long past, a stay at this character-filled cottage will suit you well.

the fountain outside Varenna cottage, Leura — Check into the heritage cottage at Varenna. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

Built in 1906, this Edwardian mountain-positioned gem has been meticulously restored to its former elegance and retains historic high points amid a more modern interpretation.

the bedroom at Varenna, Leura — Cosy up in the elegant bedroom. (Image: Lorraine Autumn)

Claw-foot bathtubs, rich tapestries, ornate embellishments and beautiful private gardens will have you feeling like a governor(ness) of old.

a vintage bathroom at Varenna, Leura — Nothing screams vintage more than this chic bathroom at Varenna. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

9. Strawberry Patch Cottage

Best for: A stay that feels worlds away from it all.
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This 1912 weatherboard, two-bedroom cottage is just 100 metres from Leura Village and is artfully crammed with antique-edged glamour, from the four-poster beds to the French doors that open out to a garden courtyard, and the large spa bathrooms.

the vintage red bedroom at Strawberry Patch Cottage — The vintage vibe at Strawberry Patch Cottage says it all. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

This is the place to do very little. Stretch out by the fire with a good book or cradle your cuppa on the front deck as you listen out for local birdlife.

the kitchen at Strawberry Patch Cottage, Leura — Strawberry Patch Cottage is artfully crammed with antique-edged glamour. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

10. Cloud Parade

Best for: Contemporary stylings and attention-seeking views.
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Walk in and absorb those utterly astonishing Blue Mountains vistas from this loftily perched Leura stay. Featured in InsideOut magazine, this is a sleek ensemble of interior loveliness, which works hard to compete with the views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary that dominate the living room.

the living room at Cloud Parade with views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary — Find stunning views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary from the living room.

The five-bedroom house has a brand-new kitchen with a showpiece island bench, stunning herringbone wood floors throughout, contemporary art, and light-flooded bedrooms with garden outlooks.

the contemporary living room interior at Cloud Parade, Leura — Contemporary art flows throughout the charming abode.

Looking to stay in Katoomba? Find our accommodation guide here.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

10 charming country stays in Leura to escape to now