Hotel Profile: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Perched at the edge of the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa offers idyllic accommodation for those looking to explore the region and recharge.

The Blue Mountains is a much-loved holiday spot for nature lovers, artists, and those looking to unwind. The rugged region is brimming with scenic beauty, charming villages, and quaint accommodations that beckon Sydney-siders and international tourists alike. And there’s perhaps no better place for travellers to base themselves during their stay than at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa .

This characterful accommodation is perfectly situated a short walk from some of the most iconic sites and boasts heritage allure, relaxing spa treatments, exceptional dining options, and the picturesque Blue Mountains as its backdrop.

Here’s everything you need to know about one of the region’s most iconic stays.

Location

Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is easily one of the most convenient accommodations to base yourself at while staying in the mountains. Located in Katoomba, the chief town of the City of Blue Mountains, guests have easy access to some of the area’s most iconic sites: Echo Point (The Three Sisters) is just a 10-minute walk down the road and Scenic World is a four-minute drive away. The charming Katoomba village is a five-minute drive away for those keen to explore the vibrant array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

History

Lilianfels history dates back to the 19th century. The heritage-listed homestead that exists today as the resort’s primary restaurant, Darley’s, was built in 1889 as a summer residence for the Chief of Staff of the New South Wales Railways, Sir Fredrick Matthew Darley. Over the years the property has undergone sensitive expansions and renovations to transform it into the renowned five-star luxury resort it is today, aptly named after the original owner’s wife, Lilian.

Style and character

Lilianfels accommodation pays homage to the original homestead’s Victorian roots. Each space exudes classic elegance with modern comforts. Plush furnishings, luxurious fabrics, patterned wallpapers and tasteful artwork dress the guestrooms and public spaces, resulting in a cosy feeling resort with a luxuriously traditional aesthetic. Two acres of perfectly manicured gardens surround the property and reflect the historic architecture of the original building.

Facilities

There is an impressive range of world-class facilities at Lilianfels including an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym, a tennis court, a library, a billiards room, four meeting venues and a day spa.

Billiard Room Lilianfels — Rack up a game of pool in the billiard room.

Those wanting to truly unwind should book a treatment at the spa. Luxuriate with restorative treatments such as volcanic stone therapy, a revitalising body polish or a personalised facial.

For a more eco-friendly way to explore the area, guests can hire bicycles from the concierge. Reception and concierge services are open 24 hours a day and onsite parking is available for guests.

Rooms

There are 89 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at Lilianfels ranging from Deluxe Resort Rooms to Executive King Valley Suites. Each accommodation is spacious yet cosy and features marble bathrooms, plush robes and king-size beds (or two king single beds if needed). Many also have views of the valley.

The executive resort view suites feature a separate lounge area and resort view king studios are located within a separate building on the resort grounds and feature a separate lounge area and gas fireplace.

Food and drink

There are three dining venues at Lilianfels: The Orangery, The Lounge Bar and Darley’s Restaurant . Start your day with a buffet-style breakfast in the light-filled The Orangery. On offer is the usual breakfast fare of pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, bacon, muesli and freshly squeezed juice.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa The Orangery — Enjoy breakfast in the sunlit The Orangery.

When you get peckish during the day, sit down and relax in The Lounge Bar which serves dishes such as crispy soft shell crab tacos, club sandwiches, and wild mushroom risotto. There’s an extensive wine list and cocktail menu too, if you fancy a tipple.

A delightful high tea featuring chef-selected sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, savoury pastries and sweets is also served in this space.

The Lounge Bar at Lilianfels — Take a seat by the fireplace with a tipple in hand.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at the resort’s award-winning signature restaurant, Darley’s. Housed within the original building and boasting old-world beauty, you’ll be transported back in time thanks to the ornate fireplaces, leadlight windows, and chandeliers.

Darley's restaurant — The charming heritage facade of Darley’s.

The modern Australian menu will see you indulge in three delicious courses. On the menu are dishes such as spanner crab with Jerusalem artichoke and fennel, celeriac with cashew, sour cherries and winter leaves, and porcini ice cream with Zokoko chocolate, hazelnut and whiskey. The wine list is generous, showcasing a range of Australian and international drops, while the cocktail menu features the classics as well as house specialities like the ‘Blossom Magic’ with gin, Bianco Vermouth, cumquat and osmanthus.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Lilianfels has three suites that are accessible for guests with disabilities. Both Darley’s Restaurant and The Lounge are also suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Family-friendly?

With its many amenities and spacious family rooms that cater for two adults and two children, Lilianfels is an ideal accommodation for families. The resort is also known to offer packages like the Kids Stay & Eat Free Package which includes: Luxury accommodation, daily buffet breakfast in the Orangery Restaurant, two-course dinner from the kid’s menu at Lilianfels Lounge, kids welcome and amenities pack, and use of in-room kids’ slippers and bathrobes.

Details

Best for: Families and couples

Address: 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba

Phone: (02) 4780 1200

Cost: From $365 per night

Heading to the Blue Mountains? Follow our guide to the must-visit waterfalls.

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.

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa