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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa