Why Leura is the perfect place to spend a weekend
<p><em><strong>Robyn Kennedy loves to explore and photograph Sydney and surrounds. Her blog <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.lifeoutandabout.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life Out & About</span></a> has become a passion, sharing ideas for outings in and around Sydney - charming gardens, bush walks, art galleries and inspiring places to eat!</strong></em></p>
<p>Leura is often referred to as The Jewel in the Mountains Crown. With a garden village atmosphere and an abundance of boutique accommodation, speciality shops, galleries and eateries, it is easy to understand why it attracts such attention. Beyond the busy mall you will find superb mountain vistas, inspiring bushwalks and historic gardens and homes. The Leura Everglades House and Gardens, owned by the National Trust, features a superb European styled-terraced garden, with magnificent views over the Jamison Valley to Mt Solitary.</p>
<p><strong>Leura Mall – Blue Mountains Village</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36225/leura-in-text-one_500x185.jpg" alt="Leura In Text One" width="500" height="185" /><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Leura Mall – quaint village atmosphere – shopping & cafés. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy</em></p>
<p>If you love quaint mountain villages, fine food, boutique shops and galleries, then Leura Village is the place for you! Designer clothes, accessories, homewares, galleries, gifts and even a fabulous lolly shop are just waiting to be discovered.</p>
<p>On our recent visit in spring we were delighted to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The warm weather was perfect for outdoor eating, as well as a stroll along the mall. Even in the cooler months Leura is beautiful, particularly on a foggy autumn morning.</p>
<p><strong>Boutique Shops</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36226/leura-in-text-two_500x185.jpg" alt="Leura In Text Two" width="500" height="185" /><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Leura Mall – Homewares. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy</em></p>
<p>Homewares, novelty and boutique shops are dotted along the mall and side streets of Leura. There are many temptations and I usually come away with at least one small purchase, it’s good to support small business owners. I did notice on our last trip that a number of the shops were not open on Sunday, so if shopping is your thing it may be best to avoid Sunday… there are plenty of other things to do in the mountains besides shopping!</p>
<p><strong>Eat & drink</strong></p>
<p>The Bon Ton Café-Restaurant has been our favourite café in Leura for many years, nestled into a delightful garden with tall trees. It is a very popular destination for outdoor dining. During the cooler months one can enjoy the cosy interior with its open fires. In the evenings, Bon Ton turns into a wine bar and restaurant… fabulous!</p>
<p>We often plan a weekend in Leura to celebrate a special occasion; therefore a fine dining experience is a must! Leura and The Blue Mountains in general have a fantastic selection of fine dining restaurants. When we stay in Leura we often reserve a table at the very popular Silk’s Brassiere. The food and hospitality have always been excellent, as it was on our last trip.</p>
<p><strong>The Leura Everglades Garden & Historic House</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36227/leura-in-text-three_500x250.jpg" alt="Leura In Text Three" width="500" height="250" /><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Leura Everglades Historic Gardens & Art Deco House – superb views & magnificent gardens. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy</em></p>
<p>Although we love the quaint village vibe, it is often the inspiring scenic walks and the stunning mountain gardens that draw us back to Leura. On our last visit, the Everglades Gardens was at the top of our list… it turned out to be the highlight of the trip!</p>
<p>It was a beautiful spring afternoon, the perfect time to explore this charming European-styled terraced garden. We strolled along the winding paths, past old lichen covered stone walls and beneath the towering trees. From the middle terrace we admired the breathtaking views of Mt Solitary and the Jamison Valley.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36228/leua-in-text-four_500x185.jpg" alt="Leua In Text Four" width="500" height="185" /><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Leura Everglades Gardens – Tulips & Australian Natives – Spring 2016. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy</em></p>
<p>The gardens were bursting with spring colours. In every direction one could see cherry blossoms, tulips and Australian natives… and of course hundreds of butterflies enjoying it all!</p>
<p><strong>Art Deco House & Tearooms</strong></p>
<p>At the bottom of the estate is the impressive 1930s Art Deco home with a delightful tearoom. It overlooks a reflecting pool and an intimate courtyard. We were just a little late for afternoon tea, but it’s on the list for our next trip!</p>
<p>Adjacent to the courtyard is a winding stone path lined with striking Japanese maples and cherry blossoms, a beautiful place to stroll in the afternoon light.</p>
<p>Just south of the house there’s a path that leads you down to a massive stone wall and lookout. If you continue a little further down the trail you will enter a lovely man-made Grotto pool with beautiful reflections and a small waterfall.</p>
<p>Have you ever been to Leura Village? Share your tips in the comments below.</p>
<p><em>Written by Robyn Kennedy. Hero image credit: Robyn Kennedy</em></p>
