Leura – the 60-minute shopping-spree

Spend where you stay and take home something special from your mountain escape on a Leura shopping spree.

More than simply being mindful of nature, travelling responsibly also means contributing to the community you’re visiting. One of the best ways to do that is to shop local to ensure your stay uplifts the economy. Luckily, in Leura, there are plenty of places you’ll be more than happy to part with a few dollars, be they spent on stunning Indigenous artworks, beautiful gifts, fashion, books, knick-knacks, or bric-a-brac. Here’s our guide to a 60-minute shopping spree, but of course, feel free to take your time.

1. The Nook Craft Co-op

A collective of Blue Mountains artisans and makers, The Nook is the place to pick up a unique memento of your visit. From macrame plant hangers and handmade pottery to silk scarves and silver trinkets as well as fashion and homewares, the handiwork here is of a beautifully high standard, making it difficult to talk yourself out of a purchase.

2. Gifts on the Mall Leura

In the centre of the village, this giftware store beckons browsing with its colourful curation of everything from books to homewares, fashion and just about anything else you didn’t know you wanted. It’s a Leura must-stop and perfect for a potter before you take a seat for lunch in town.

outside signage at Gifts on the Mall Leura — Find unique gift items at Gifts on the Mall Leura.

3. Megalong Books

Peruse the shelves of this independent bookstore to find the ideal fireside read for cosy evenings in your Airbnb cottage. It’s also the place to go for all things Blue Mountains, from maps and trail guides to books on endemic flora and fauna, and the fascinating history of the region.

books on display inside Megalong Books, Leura — Score your next great read at Megalong Books.

4. Bilingarra

Wiradjuri artist Brett Groves is the founder and creator of Bilingarra Indigenous Art and Culture in Leura , where you can view his incredible works and even join an art workshop. But more than simply a place to admire and shop Brett’s pieces, Bilingarra is a place designed to share the complex beauty of Indigenous culture and to retell the history of First Nations people. It’s a must-stop on any Leura shop hop.

5. Leura Vintage

For those who love to fossick for pre-loved fashion, there’s no better place to unearth a treasure than at this much-adored Leura store . Dress for the era you were meant to be in with the collection of apparel spanning all the way back to the Victorian and Edwardian period. From intricate, antique pieces of the 1800s to the bold patterns and short hemlines of the swinging ’60s, you’ll find something you simply must try on.

mannequins wearing dresses on display — Find a pre-loved gem at Leura Vintage.

6. Maharani Boutique

It’s all about bold prints and bold colours at Maharani Boutique which stocks labels from the Spanish Desigual to the travel-inspired Australian label Ruby Yaya. Sourcing natural fibres and ethical brands, the store is akin to opening a dress-up box and finding something fabulous to put on.

items display at Maharani Boutique — Pick a dress to put on from Maharani Boutique.

7. The Candy Store

Sweet tooths and children won’t be able to bypass this Leura lolly shop that stocks a brightly coloured collection of confectionaries from around the world. From humbugs to Hubba Bubba and Jolly Rancher to Junior Mints, it’s a sugar rush waiting to happen. Even if you’re not a candy crusher, you’ll find the variety and novelty of these international treats entirely fascinating.

8. Teddy Sinclair

Leather up at this unmissable Leura shop that sells all manner of leather goods, from travel bags to jackets, handbags and shoes. While catering to both men and women, there’s also a man cave in store, where you can pick up everything from grooming kits to bottle openers. The lovely scent of high-quality leather is a welcome companion as you browse the collection at Teddy Sinclair.

9. Zoe Clare

An in-store styling service sets Zoe Clare apart, as it aims to help women feel confident and beautiful with its range of high-quality clothing. Keeping to a curation of elegant and sustainable labels with classic cuts to fit a range of shapes and ages, the racks are hung with timeless pieces that will become wardrobe staples.

a model wearing Mirabella Dress Cobalt at Zoe Clare — Check out Zoe Clare’s timeless pieces.

10. My Friend Alice

Shop beautiful, hand-picked pieces made with natural fibres of wool, cotton, silk and linen at My Friend Alice , a must-visit Leura boutique. From bright prints to understated minimal tones, dressing up to dressing down, there’s something here that’s set to be on high rotation in your wardrobe.

11. Moontree

For those who love a flickering flame and scented ambience, don’t miss a visit to Moontree , where you’ll find a huge range of candles and other collectibles. From their eponymous label to Ecoya, Urban Rituelle and Apsley Luxury Candles, as well as homewares, Christmas decorations and body products, this is a one-stop shop for wellbeing and home decor. You’ll also find Moontree founder and local artist Kate Soady’s beautiful, native flora-inspired works on display and available to purchase.

Shopfront of Moontree in Leura — Treat yourself to a candle at Moontree. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Leura Gourmet

Pause to refuel for your shopping spree with a stop at Leura Gourmet , where you can take on necessary calories and caffeine to keep up the retail trail, while also collecting more goodies. Here you’ll find all kinds of delicious delights to add to cart, from spices and condiments to sweet treats, pickles and preserves.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

12 treasure-filled spots for shopping in Leura