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.

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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.

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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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa