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)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .