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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

12 treasure-filled spots for shopping in Leura