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.

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.

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa