A Beautiful Day Trip to Leura in the Blue Mountains

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.

Accommodation in Leura, Blue Mountains

Budget | Gardeners Inn Hotel

• Historic guesthouse with classic charm
• Located in the heart of Leura Village
• Walking distance to cafés, shops & train station
• Cosy, comfortable rooms with a traditional feel
• Great option for a relaxed and convenient stay

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

• Large resort set on the edge of the Jamison Valley
• Stunning views and expansive grounds
• Multiple restaurants, bars & on-site facilities
• Indoor + outdoor pools, spa, and family-friendly activities
• Great option for a full resort-style stay in the Blue Mountains

How to get to Leura, Blue Mountains from Sydney

Getting to Leura in the Blue Mountains from Sydney is relatively easy, with three main options: car, train, or guided tour. The best choice depends on your budget, how much time you have, and how flexible you want your itinerary to be.

By Car

Driving or hiring a car is the most flexible and time-efficient option, taking around 90 minutes from Sydney. It allows you to explore at your own pace, stop at different lookouts and attractions, and avoid being limited by public transport schedules. Ideal if you want to make the most of your time or start your day early.

By Train

Taking the train is one of the most popular and budget-friendly options.

• Approx. 2 hours from Sydney to Katoomba or Leura
• Costs around $10 each way
• Sunday travel cap (~$2.70) makes it even cheaper

From Katoomba, you can connect to local buses or hop-on-hop-off services to reach attractions like Scenic World and Leura Cascades. A great option if you don’t want to drive.

Want everything planned for you? My 7-day Sydney itinerary breaks down exactly what to do each day, plus local tips to help you make the most of your trip.

By Guided Tour

There are no direct public buses from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, but guided tours are widely available.

• Visit key attractions without planning logistics
• Includes transport, stops, and commentary
• More convenient, but less flexibility

This is a good option if you prefer a stress-free day where everything is organised for you.

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.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip?
Use this Australia travel guide to build your full itinerary beyond Sydney.

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.

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.

Check out Things to Do in Leura

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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