Conveniently 1.5 hrs drive from Sydney is the beautiful town of Leura in the Blue Mountains. A picturesque town that especially blooms in the springtime, Leura Blue Mountains is a must visit for locals and visitors of Sydney alike! Follow my complete guide on the best things to see and do whilst spending a beautiful day visiting Leura in the Blue Mountains.
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Accommodation in Leura, Blue Mountains
Budget | Alexandra Hotel
Located in Leura, this centralised hotel is within walking distance from Leura Mall and the Leura train station and within 5 km of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Scenic World. Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum and Leura Cascades are also within 2 km.
Moderate | Leura House
Great location, an easy walk from the train station and main street. Access to the trails near the Leura Cascades is around a 10-minute walk. The house has lots of character with spacious and comfortable rooms.
Luxury | Fairmont Resort
Located on the cusp of the dramatic Jamison Valley in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. The hotel includes indoor & outdoor pool, tennis courts, kids rooms, three restaurants and the brand new Ubika Day Spa. Enjoy scenic walking tracks, golf at the adjacent Leura Golf Course or visit Leura Village & Wentworth Falls.
How to get to Leura, Blue Mountains from Sydney
If you’re wondering how to get to Leura, Blue Mountains from Sydney, there are three options – car, bus or train. It depends on your budget, time limitations and which Blue Mountains attractions you want to visit as to which option you feel is best.
If you’re a keen hiker, there are so many walks in the Blue Mountains you may not want to be limited by a train timetable. If you want to beat the crowds, you may want to drive to leave to start your day trip early as possible. If you want someone else to do all the hard work, a Blue Mountains bus tour may be your best option. Read our advice below to find the best option for you.
Blue Mountains from Sydney by Car
We chose to do our Leura, Blue Mountains day trip tour by car. For us, it offered the most freedom and allowed us to stop at only the Blue Mountains attractions we wanted to see as well as spend as much or as little time as we wanted at each stop. It is also the most time effective, as it is only a 90 minute drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountain.
Blue Mountains from Sydney by Train
The second option (and one of the most popular) is to do your Leura, Blue Mountains day trip by train. The Sydney to Blue Mountains train is a great option if you’re on a budget or can’t drive. The train costs around AU$10.00 each way and takes 2 hours. If you are planning a Blue Mountains day trip by train, we recommend going on a Sunday, when transport in Sydney is capped at AU$2.70.
There are two types of Sydney to Blue Mountains train – regular or express. The express has fewer stops along the way, although it is only around 15 minutes faster. The train travels from Sydney to Katoomba which is the main hub of the Blue Mountains and home to the famous landmark, the Three Sisters.
From Katoomba, you can also hop on the Blue Mountains Explorer which will drop you at more Blue Mountain attractions such as Scenic World and Leura Cascades. Another option if planning your Blue Mountains day trip by train is to take a train from Sydney to Leura which is an equally popular town in the Blue Mountains national park.
Blue Mountains Bus Tour
If you’re wondering how to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney by bus, unfortunately, there are no public bus services. However, you can opt for an organised bus tour which will allow you to sit back and relax without arguing over sat nav directions, parking spaces or train time tables.
There are numerous Blue Mountain bus tours to choose from which leave from Sydney, which will take you to the main attractions. An organised Blue Mountains bus tour may prove more cost effective if you consider the price of fuel and car hire; however, it does come with the disadvantage of having someone else dictate your day.
These are the best Blue Mountains bus tours we could find, based on reviews and value for money.
Things to do in Leura, Blue Mountains
Explore Leura Mall
Leura Mall is the main street of the Leura village, consisting of a cherry tree lined median strip with shops either side. Here you will find day spa’s, boutiques, old world toy shops, candle shops, gift stores, local arts and crafts, homeware shops, a book store, chocolate shop, cafe’s and more.
If you are visiting Leura, Blue Mountains in the spring, enjoy a coffee and bite to eat under the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the median strip. After, meander the streets and explore the towns quaint shops.
Check out Tripadvisor’s Things to Do in Leura
Take a walk at Leura Cascades Blue Mountains
A very popular walk with amazing views is the Leura Cascades Blue Mountains walking track. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch outdoors amidst the beautiful scenery of the Leura Cascades picnic area. The distance is 1km and takes approx. 1 hour return.
*Please note that the Leura Cascades walking track and picnic areas are currently closed due to storm damage and associated hazards. You can find the latest updates on the Blue Mountains City Council website.
Experience the Leuralla Toy & Railway Museum
Leuralla Toy & Railway Museum is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collection of toys, trains and associated memorabilia. Whether you’re a family or a serious collector, the world class displays of 20th century toys, from Barbie, Popeye, Tintin and Alice in Wonderland will captivate and entertain any age.
The historic mansion Leuralla was built just before the First World War by a prominent Sydney family and was used as their mountain retreat. In the style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house has retained its original features and many rooms are exactly the same as they have always been.
The toy displays are housed in an historic early 20th century mansion over 2 levels. I can guarantee that you haven’t seen a toy collection quite like this! The collection includes pre- and post-war toys such as dolls, teddy bears, lead figures, comics and books, tin plate trains, aeroplanes, automobiles and working model-railway layouts.
The railway museum is set in a lush, 5 hectare award-winning garden filled with interactive displays and picturesque scenes. It features NSW Railway track side and station memorabilia including lights, trolleys, seats, signals and signs.
Visit the Three Sisters in Echo Point
The Three Sisters is the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark. Located only a few minutes out of Leura, the Three Sisters is essentially an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone. Each of the Three Sisters stand at 922, 918 & 906 metres tall, respectively.
Echo Point is the starting point to some of the best hikes in the Blue Mountains. You can take The Three Sisters track and hike down The Giant Stairway to reach the famous three up close. Although be warned, you will then need to hike The Giant Stairway back up which is quite a challenging climb. For an easier but equally rewarding hike, take The Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba which will take you Leura Cascades.
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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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