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.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa