12 lovely things to do in Leura

With its mountainside charm and rich community feel, Leura is an idyllic location for an easy mini break.

An all-seasons escape in the Blue Mountains, Leura is the cottage town of your dreams, with heritage abodes, high-country beauty and views of the dramatic landscape.

A skip and hop from Sydney, Leura is great for a weekend getaway, whether it’s cosying up in a cottage, hiking a Blue Mountains bush trail or sipping a cuppa or cocktail in the village.

1. Picnic at Leura Cascades

Spread your picnic rug with locally acquired provisions and stretch out under the lush canopy as you snack to the sounds of tinkling waterfalls and native birdsong. Festooned with ferns and offering views across the Jamison Valley, this is a popular spot to while away some lazy hours.

2. Take a hike

Particularly incredible during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, the Grand Cliff Top Walk lays out some of the region’s most spectacular views. In its entirety, the track is a multi-day hike, but can easily be broken down into beautiful day walks from Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba. There are also plenty of other great walking tracks around the region for nature lovers to explore.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW — The Grand Cliff Top Walk is the newest hike to hit the Blue Mountains. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

3. Sweat it out at a sauna

Soothe aching limbs after a bushwalk at the Finnish-style Blue Mountains Sauna , where you can let the heat melt away any tension. For the brave, take a dip in the cold-water plunge pool to enliven your senses.

There are silent sauna sessions for those keen to enter a more meditative state, while the clothing-optional sessions will leave you feeling liberated. Just be sure to check the session when you book so you’re not caught out.

Blue Mountains Sauna in Leura, NSW — The sauna is a great place to relax and unwind. (Image: Declan Blackall)

4. Go on a cultural crawl through Leura’s galleries

With the beauty of the mountains serving as a muse for many local artists, it’s little wonder there are loads of galleries in the region showcasing thought-provoking and interesting works. Begin a gallery trail at Lost Bear Gallery , where exhibitions centre on contemporary Australian artists.

Next, make your way to Hart Ceramics to admire Lyn Hart’s creations and take a workshop, then pick up a unique treasure at The Nook , a community space for local artisans. Finish your tour at Bygone Beautys, home to an eclectic collection of teapots.

artisan items at the Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba, Blue Mountains — Admire several artworks inside the Lost Bear Gallery. (Image: Time Out)

5. Get a sugar rush at The Candy Store

Live out your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasies at The Candy Store . With a range of popular international sweets on offer, including lollies from the UK, the US, Africa and, of course, Australia – sugar fiends are sure to find their favourite. From the curious to the questionable, there’s something to please every sweet tooth.

6. Cosy up in a Leura cottage stay

When the weather is brisk, there are few nicer things than cosying up in mountain cottage with a cuppa or glass of red. Orchard Cottage is your Pinterest board come to life with soothing white-washed tones, exquisite textural details and all the amenities you could ever need. The luxury holiday home is right in the heart of town and considered one of the best places to stay in Leura.

Orchard Cottage in leura — Bed down for a luxurious stay at Orchard Cottage.

7. Indulge at Ubika Day Spa

As you inhale the fresh mountain air, a sense of rejuvenation fills your being. Lean into that feeling of restoration at Ubika Day Spa , the thoroughly luxurious retreat at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains.

Now a salon as well as a spa, treat yourself to a pampering session from head to toe, with everything from foils to facials. You can also book a social spa session with friends that, naturally, ends with a high tea.

a woman enjoying a spa treatment at Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains — Get a well-deserved massage at Ubika Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Cheers to happy hour

End the day with an evening tipple in a warmly lit bar where the drinks are well-stirred and the ambience is on point. Some of the best Blue Mountains’ drinking dens are located here. From cocktails at Polar Bear of Leura and The Bunker ‘s unrivalled views to an all-Australian menu at Tempus – a great place to dine in nearby Katoomba – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

A dining table set in Tempus in the Blue Mountains — Expect a warm and inviting dining space at Tempus. (Image: Maja Baska)

9. Wander the Everglades

With Leura’s expanse of grand estates and heritage houses, a visit to Everglades House and Gardens is a must for home horticulturalists and architecture appreciators alike.

The stunning Art-Deco house and manicured gardens conjure glimpses of the past and feel at once European and Australian. Wander the grounds and take in sweeping views across the Jamison Valley.

a couple enjoying a visit to the scenic Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura in the Blue Mountains — Take in the sweeping views across Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Hightail it to high tea

There is a proliferation of high teas to enjoy in the Blue Mountains – and Leura is no exception. However, for a high tea experience with a healthy helping of incredible views and bottomless bubbles, Fairmont’s offering is the pick of the bunch. There are a range of options to choose from, including traditional, sparkling, champagne and even one for kids.

11. Go big for breaky

With a hit list of local cafes to explore, Leura is the perfect place to breakfast aficionados. Take the Red Door Cafe for example; its a main street institution that can’t be missed (on account of its literal namesake). You’d be silly not to swing by Leura Gourmet Cafe and Deli , too. It’s the best spot in town for smoothies, juices and a range of tempting deli treats.

the Red Door Cafe in Leura — Stop by for brunch at Red Door Cafe. (Image: James Horan Destination NSW)

12. Splash some cash on a shopping spree

The main street of Leura is littered with a range of boutiques and shops, with everything from vintage clothes and second-hand stores to homeware specialists and craft co-ops. Wander past local street art to favourites like Moontree – where you can find candles, art and unique decor – and Megalong Books , the peaceful local bookstore that’s part of the charming Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail.

Leura, NSW — Wander past the Leura art murals. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 .