10 charming country stays in Leura to escape to now

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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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.
$$$

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.
$$$$

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.

the pool at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
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.
$$$$

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.
$$

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.

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5. Orchard Cottage

Best for: Appreciators of interior design and those who love to cook and entertain.
$$$$

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.
$$

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.
$–$$$$

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.
$$$

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)

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9. Strawberry Patch Cottage

Best for: A stay that feels worlds away from it all.
$$

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.
$$$$

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.

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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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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    Leura Accommodation: 10 Charming Places To Escape To | Australian Traveller