Leura Accommodation: 10 Charming Places To Escape To

From a retreat in a historic nunnery to sprawling resorts and contemporary builds with jaw-dropping views, Leura accommodation is bursting with country charm from all angles.

The stunning Blue Mountains region is a natural playground for all seasons, from frosty winter escapes to wildflower walks come spring, admiring changing leaves in autumn and relishing the cool summer breeze. Charming and historic Leura is a beautiful base from which to explore nearby towns and national parks. With adorable cottages set in manicured gardens, Leura accommodation is all about country charm, both contemporary and restored. Here’s our pick of the best stays.

1. Greenleaf Cottage

Best for: Rekindling romance and enjoying the town centre.
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This gorgeous, two-bedroom cottage has been tenderly renovated throughout with a respect for the dwelling’s original style, while bringing a more contemporary feel.

the living room door opened at Greenleaf Cottage, Leura — The bright and airy dining space overflows onto the deck.

A luxe Victoria + Albert bath begs to be slipped into and the incredible kitchen suggests dinner enjoyed in, while a cosy fireplace clinches the deal for a cosy night spent by flickering flames. A generous 1pm checkout time makes this Leura Mall spot perfect for weekend escapes.

the exterior of Greenleaf Cottage, Leura — Slip into the charming and cosy Greenleaf Cottage.

2. Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Best for: Those looking for an all-in-one escape to suit everyone from couples to families and groups.
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Part of the M Gallery collection, this sprawling resort is angled to take in dramatic Jamison Valley views in the World-Heritage Blue Mountains National Park.

Unwind in the pool at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

The captivating backdrop sets the scene for a stay attuned to the finer things, such as elegant dining and bars, the Ubika Day Spa, 18-hole golf club, indoor and outdoor pools and gymnasium. The vast resort also caters to families with school holiday programs, a Kidszone and ice-skating rink.

women relaxing at Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort &Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains — Relax in the pristine surrounds at Ubika Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Brightlands Retreat, Leura

Best for: Those seeking to rest, recover and restore.
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Set in a breathtakingly beautiful and historic nunnery, this retreat will enliven tired souls with fresh mountain air and a rotating timetable of nurturing yoga and wellness classes, as well as an onsite spa and all-inclusive nourishing meals. Guests can choose to design their own retreat or join a scheduled program and combine their stay with a guided, educational walk or group bushwalk, or excursions to potter the boutiques at Leura or Katoomba.

4. Old Leura Dairy

Best for: Those who enjoy a well-appointed time warp and appreciate the love put into this historic stay.
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Evident by its name, this restored former dairy is rich with Blue Mountains heritage and charm. Now a collection of cottages, guests can opt to stay in the Milking Shed, The Studio, Buttercup Barn, Moo Manor, The Workers Cottage or The Straw Bale House, each deeply enriched and styled with bygone country grace.

the Old Leura Dairy Studio bedroom — Old Leura Dairy is rich with heritage and charm.

Step back in time at this bewitching stay just a 15-minute walk into Leura and right on the doorstep of the Blue Mountains National Park.

the bedroom at Straw Bale House, Old Leura Dairy — Bed down in the charming Straw Bale House.

5. Orchard Cottage

Best for: Appreciators of interior design and those who love to cook and entertain.
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Elegant and luxe, this white-washed cottage takes style cues from the Hamptons and is beautifully detailed with tactile and warm finishes that anchor the abode in its Australian bush setting. With herringbone brick and hardwood flooring, elegant panelling and marble benchtops, this chic stay has even featured in Home Beautiful magazine.

the exterior of Orchard Cottage, Leura — Orchard Cottage is an elegant retreat within an Australian bush setting.

The five-bedroom retreat features open fireplaces, an outdoor pizza oven and entertaining space, integrated speakers, an incredible kitchen with a butler’s pantry and high-end amenities. You’re also just five minutes’ walk from the centre of town, should you find a reason to leave this dream home.

an outdoor dining area at Orchard Cottage, Leura — The white-washed cottage is beautifully detailed with tactile and warm finishes.

6. Banksia Cottage

Best for: Groups looking to retreat to nature amid serenity.
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A tranquil, bush-hemmed escape, this contemporary, self-contained three-bedroom cottage is ideal for mountain retreats with friends or family.

a bedroom with windows at Banksia Cottage, Leura — Sleep next to scenic nature views at Banksia Cottage.

A sun-drenched deck is the perfect place to inhale the scented mountain air as you savour your morning coffee, while the indoor heating ensures winter stays are entirely cosy. Directly across the road, you can access the Lyrebird Dell scenic walk that meanders down to Gordon Falls.

the dining table facing a window at Banksia Cottage — Take in the lush views as you savour your morning coffee.

7. Abbey House

Best for: Sleek stays with mates.
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Light, bright and newly renovated in a modern aesthetic of blonde wood tones and open-plan layout, this fresh, garden-enclosed house is a short walk to Leura Mall and Gordon Falls Lookout.

a garden with trees and pink flowers at Abbey House, Leura — Settle into the charming garden-enclosed Abbey House.

Perfect for group escapes, the three-bedroom abode sleeps eight people who will relish crowding around the outdoor firepit on cool evenings and huddling by the living room fireplace on wintry nights.

the bedroom at Abbey House — The three-bedroom abode sleeps eight people.

8. Varenna, Leura

Best for: Jaunts to relish the past and those who love Edwardian-era architecture.
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If you’re looking to retreat into an era long past, a stay at this character-filled cottage will suit you well.

the fountain outside Varenna cottage, Leura — Check into the heritage cottage at Varenna. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

Built in 1906, this Edwardian mountain-positioned gem has been meticulously restored to its former elegance and retains historic high points amid a more modern interpretation.

the bedroom at Varenna, Leura — Cosy up in the elegant bedroom. (Image: Lorraine Autumn)

Claw-foot bathtubs, rich tapestries, ornate embellishments and beautiful private gardens will have you feeling like a governor(ness) of old.

a vintage bathroom at Varenna, Leura — Nothing screams vintage more than this chic bathroom at Varenna. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

9. Strawberry Patch Cottage

Best for: A stay that feels worlds away from it all.
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This 1912 weatherboard, two-bedroom cottage is just 100 metres from Leura Village and is artfully crammed with antique-edged glamour, from the four-poster beds to the French doors that open out to a garden courtyard, and the large spa bathrooms.

the vintage red bedroom at Strawberry Patch Cottage — The vintage vibe at Strawberry Patch Cottage says it all. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

This is the place to do very little. Stretch out by the fire with a good book or cradle your cuppa on the front deck as you listen out for local birdlife.

the kitchen at Strawberry Patch Cottage, Leura — Strawberry Patch Cottage is artfully crammed with antique-edged glamour. (Image: Mountain Whispers)

10. Cloud Parade

Best for: Contemporary stylings and attention-seeking views.
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Walk in and absorb those utterly astonishing Blue Mountains vistas from this loftily perched Leura stay. Featured in InsideOut magazine, this is a sleek ensemble of interior loveliness, which works hard to compete with the views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary that dominate the living room.

the living room at Cloud Parade with views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary — Find stunning views of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary from the living room.

The five-bedroom house has a brand-new kitchen with a showpiece island bench, stunning herringbone wood floors throughout, contemporary art, and light-flooded bedrooms with garden outlooks.

the contemporary living room interior at Cloud Parade, Leura — Contemporary art flows throughout the charming abode.

Looking to stay in Katoomba? Find our accommodation guide here.

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.

10 charming country stays in Leura to escape to now