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Treasure-filled spots for shopping in Leura

Credit: Destination NSW

Spend where you stay and take home something special from your mountain escape on a Leura shopping spree.

More than simply being mindful of nature, travelling responsibly also means contributing to the community you’re visiting. One of the best ways to do that is to shop local to ensure your stay uplifts the economy. Luckily, in Leura, there are plenty of places you’ll be more than happy to part with a few dollars, be they spent on local artworks, beautiful gifts, fashion, books, knick-knacks or bric-a-brac.

Shopping is one of our favourite things to do in Leura, so here’s our guide to a 60-minute shopping spree, but of course, feel free to take your time.

In short

If you only have time to visit one Leura shop, make it Leura Cabinet of Curiosities to find your own memento from the mountains.

1. The Nook Craft Co-op

ceramic mugs at The Nook Craft Co-op
Ceramic mugs by Elizabeth Rose. (Credit: The Nook Craft Co-op)

A collective of Blue Mountains artisans and makers, The Nook is the place to pick up a unique memento of your visit. From macrame plant hangers and handmade pottery to silk scarves and silver trinkets as well as fashion and homewares, the handiwork here is of a beautifully high standard, making it difficult to talk yourself out of a purchase.

Address: 133A Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

2. Gifts on the Mall Leura

Gifts on the Mall Leura
Find everything from books to homewares at Gifts on the Mall Leura.

In the centre of the village, this giftware store beckons browsing with its colourful curation of everything from books to homewares, fashion and just about anything else you didn’t know you wanted. It’s a Leura must-stop and perfect for a potter before you take a seat for lunch in town.

Address: 134a Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

3. Teddy Sinclair

Leather up at this unmissable Leura shop that sells all manner of leather goods, from travel bags to jackets, handbags and shoes. While catering to both men and women, there’s also an adjacent men’s store, where you can pick up everything from grooming kits to bottle openers. The lovely scent of high-quality leather is a welcome companion as you browse the collection at Teddy Sinclair.

Address: 177 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

4. Megalong Books

Megalong Books, Leura Mall
Score your next great read at Megalong Books.

Peruse the shelves of this independent bookstore to find the ideal fireside read for cosy evenings in your Airbnb cottage. It’s also the place to go for all things Blue Mountains, from maps and trail guides to books on endemic flora and fauna, and the fascinating history of the region.

Address: 183 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

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5. Zoe Clare

An in-store styling service sets Zoe Clare apart, as it aims to help women feel confident and beautiful with its range of high-quality clothing. Keeping to a curation of elegant and sustainable labels with classic cuts to fit a range of shapes and ages, the racks are hung with timeless pieces that will become wardrobe staples.

Address: 175 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

6. Maharani Boutique

Maharani Boutique, Leura
Pick up a colourful dress from Maharani Boutique.

It’s all about bold prints and bold colours at Maharani Boutique which stocks labels from the Spanish Desigual to the travel-inspired Australian label Rubyyaya. Sourcing natural fibres and ethical brands, the store is akin to opening a dress-up box and finding something fabulous to put on.

Address: Shop 7, Strand Arcade,176-180 The Mall, Leura NSW 2780

7. The Candy Store

Tucked into Leura Mall arcade, sweet tooths and children won’t be able to bypass this Leura lolly shop that stocks a brightly coloured collection of confectionery from around the world. From humbugs to Hubba Bubba and Jolly Rancher to Junior Mints, it’s a sugar rush waiting to happen. Even if you’re not a candy crusher, you’ll find the variety and novelty of these international treats entirely fascinating.

Address: Shop 6/178 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

8. My Friend Alice

Shop beautiful, hand-picked pieces made with natural fibres of wool, cotton, silk and linen at My Friend Alice, a must-visit Leura boutique. From bright prints to understated minimal tones, dressing up to dressing down, there’s something here that’s set to be on high rotation in your wardrobe.

Address: 166-168 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

9. Moontree

Moontree, Leura
Moontree is a one-stop shop for home decor. (Credit: Destination NSW)

For those who love a flickering flame and scented ambience, don’t miss a visit to Moontree, where you’ll find a huge range of candles and other collectables. From their eponymous label to Urban Rituelle and Apsley Luxury Candles, as well as homewares, Christmas decorations and body products, this is a one-stop shop for wellbeing and home decor. You’ll also find Moontree founder and local artist Kate Soady’s beautiful, native flora-inspired works on display and available to purchase.

Address: 157 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

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10. Leura Gourmet

Pause to refuel for your shopping spree with a stop at Leura Gourmet, where you can take on necessary calories and caffeine to keep up the retail trail, while also collecting more goodies. Here you’ll find all kinds of delicious delights to add to cart, from spices and condiments to sweet treats, pickles and preserves.

Address: 159 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

11. Leura Cabinet of Curiosities

A spin-off from Teddy Sinclair (featured above), this Leura Mall shop is just the sort of eclectic accumulation you would expect to find in a mountain village. Well worth a peruse, it’s hard not to find something that speaks to you here, whether that’s a hand puppet, a miniature Mallard duck figurine or a 3D puzzle.

Address: 199 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

12. Birdy Vintage

Birdy Vintage, Leura
Find a pre-loved gem at Birdy Vintage.

This vintage clothing and homewares boutique in Strand Arcade is stocked with preloved finds of high quality. Fans of past-era fashion and slightly eccentric styles will relish a good flick through the racks here. Treasures await those with an eagle eye, from cashmere coats to glass vases and woollen knits.

Address: Strand Arcade, Shop 8/178 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

13. Picklemouse Corner

Even if you’re not really in the market for an exquisite handmade quilt, you should still swing into this gorgeous store that is full of cottage-core finds. From gorgeous fabrics to flannel quilts, haberdashery and French country nighties, it’s enough to make you look for your very own mountain cottage and start a simpler life.

Address: 1/152 Megalong St, Leura NSW 2780

14. With Max and Me

With Max and Me, Leura
Shop hand-crafted home decor. (Credit: With Max and Me)

Named after the owners’ beloved but departed dog and stocking unique and hand-crafted items with a preference for one-off pieces, this Leura Mall store is all about artisan goods. From fashion and jewellery to homewares and gifts, poke your head in to pick up a mountain-appropriate merino wool or cashmere scarf, a leather bag or something from an Australian artist.

Address: 142 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.