Leura is the most charming town in the Blue Mountains. Simply wandering along the pretty streets of Leura Mall is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, but beyond the great shops and cafes there are also plenty of adventures to be had.
Whether it’s hikes to secret caves, swimming under waterfalls, picnicking in hidden overhangs or easy strolls to outstanding viewpoints, Leura is an outdoor lovers mecca.
This guide focuses solely on Leura, but if you’d like to know more about the surrounding towns, we have detailed guides on both Katoomba and Wentworth Falls as well.
Here are our favourite things to do in Leura.
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1: Indulge in Devonshire Tea at the Teapot Museum
2: Catch a sunset at Sublime Point
3: Have a picnic at Lyrebird Dell
4: Take a dip at the base of a waterfall
5: Admire the incredible views from Butterbox Point
6: Wander through the beautiful grounds of Everglades House
7: Find the Secret Dr Darks Cave
8: Have a coffee with a view
9: Check out the gorgeous Leura Cascades
10: Enjoy the stunning view at Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
11: Have a chocolate shot at Josophan’s Chocolates
12: Hike to the top of Lockleys Pylon
Amazing things to do in Leura
These are 12 amazing things to do in Leura:
1. Indulge in Devonshire tea at the Teapot Museum
We had driven past the Bygone Beautys Teapot Museum so many times, and recently we decided it was about time to stop in.
This quirky museum houses 5,500 teapots from all over the world, ranging from beautifully ornate to absolutely hilarious. Who knew so many different kinds of teapots existed?!
Next to the small museum you’ll find a teashop with a ginormous range of teas, as well as homemade scones and other goodies. We opted for the Devonshire tea and were not disappointed.
The tea was excellent and the scones were probably the best I’ve had in Australia. It’s whipped cream rather than clotted (you can’t have everything) but I know that clotted cream is not a thing here!
It can get very, very busy, so if you’re planning to go on a weekend or during the school holidays, it’s probably best to avoid peak times.
Entry to the museum is $5.50, but is free with any equivalent purchase in the tea room or shop (and boy are there a lot of teapots to choose from!).
2. Catch a sunset from Sublime Point
Sublime Point is one of our favourite sunset spots in the Blue Mountains. It offers a glorious view over the Jamison Valley and there are layers of mountains as far as the eye can see.
It’s only a five minute walk from the car park to the lookout, so it’s perfect when you want to watch the sunset but don’t want to have a long walk back in the dark.
The main lookout point is railed and there isn’t really anywhere to sit and relax, so we like to go to the rock ledge just before the main lookout, on the right.
It’s an unfenced area, but there is plenty of room to sit well back from the edge, and we’ve never seen anyone else there so you should be almost guaranteed to get it to yourself.
3. Have a picnic at Lyrebird Dell
Lyrebird Dell is the perfect hidden picnic spot, far away from the crowds that descend upon the nearby Gordon Falls picnic area.
We actually came to check it out when putting together our Blue Mountains waterfalls guide and whilst the small waterfall is nothing to write home about, the picnic spot nearby is pretty fab.
You can bring a rug and lay it out on the grass, or use one of the picnic tables sheltered underneath the large overhang.
It feels tucked away from the rest of the world and has a lovely back to nature feeling. It’s just a one minute walk to the small waterfall (which will only be a trickle unless there has been heavy rain).
Lyrebird Dell is thought to have been a shelter for local Aboriginal people for over 12,000 years, which is probably another reason why it has a special feel to it.
You can access Lyrebird Dell as part of the 1.7km circuit walk from Gordon Falls picnic area, or you can park at Malvern Road from which it’s only around a five minute walk.
4. Take a dip at the base of a waterfall
The Pool of Siloam is a gorgeous spot: a small waterfall surrounded by tall cliff walls which gives it a lovely secluded feel. There’s a shallow pool at the base which is a perfect plunge pool for adults (it’s not deep enough for an actual swim) and great for kids to have a splash about in too.
The height of the surrounding cliffs keeps it nice and shady.
The walk to get to the pool is short at just 550m each way, but it is mainly downhill on the way, so you have a little bit of a climb on the way back up. The track is very well maintained though and it’s not difficult.
If you like the look of our picnic spot suggestion above, this pool can be combined with Lyrebird Dell making a 1.7km circuit walk.
5. Admire the sensational views from Butterbox Point
Butterbox Point offers some of the best views in all the Blue Mountains, yet few people have ever heard of it. That means you are highly unlikely to have to share them with another soul. The easy 3km circular walk to get to Butterbox Point is scenic throughout and has a great into the wilds vibe.
Sometimes the track goes very close to the cliff edges, so it’s not one for vertigo sufferers but everyone else will love the uninterrupted views. The area was quite badly burnt in the fires of 2020 so you will see lots of charred trees but also plenty of regrowth.
The walk is almost entirely flat and generally very easy. You can add on the nearby Mount Hay summit if you want a longer walk - it’s an additional 3km. Whilst there are no views from the summit itself, there are some great ones along the way.
You can see all the details in our Butterbox Point and Mount Hay track guide. Note that the road to the trailhead is unsealed and conditions vary. At time of writing it is passable in a 2WD.
6. Wander the beautiful grounds of Everglades House
The gardens at Everglades House are a lovely place for a stroll, particularly if you are lucky enough to visit during autumn or spring when the colours are at their most striking.
As well as picturesque gardens, there is a small waterfall surrounded by ferns and some breathtaking views over the mountains
They welcome you to bring a picnic, and there are an array of places to enjoy it, from tables and chairs scattered under the trees, to a lawn in front of a vine covered opening in the wall which perfectly frames Mount Solitary.
There is also a tea room which looks cute but wasn’t operating on our visit (I think it’s only weekends). I would definitely recommend bringing a picnic, or visiting the tea room to make more of your visit.
You can also take a potter around the 1930’s house which has many of the original features still intact, but not much in the way of furniture.
7. Find the secret cave
Of all the things to do in Leura, Dr Darks Cave is one of our favourites. It’s a bit of an adventure, with a steep unmarked trail and a couple of scrambles to negotiate, but your reward is one of the most unique spots in the mountains.
The cave was used as a summer camp by Doctor Dark and his family in the 1930’s, and some of their possessions have been left there as if they might return at any moment. There are old pots and pans by the fire pit as well as a variety of other bits and pieces including blankets, boots and even an axe!
There are a few modern things that have been added to the collection which is a bit of a shame, I’m not sure why anyone would want to tamper with such a unique spot. But that aside, it’s a fabulous place and a must visit when in Leura.
Everything you need to know to find the secret cave is in this post.
8. Have a coffee with a view
We always try and find a cafe with a view where possible, and Leura Gourmet Deli doesn’t disappoint. With floor to ceiling windows on one side, and a view over a vast swathe of bushland, it’s a relaxing place to refuel.
We’ve only ever tried the coffee and miniature brownie squares, which are both good, but it’s always doing a roaring trade in more substantial food when we visit.
As well as the lovely view, this cafe also has the added benefit of being open later than many others (until 5pm), so we always head here when we need a pre sunset adventure pick me up.
9. Check out the gorgeous Leura Cascades
Most people who visit Leura will pay a visit to the pretty cascades. From the picnic area it’s a short walk downhill (less than 1km return) surrounded by lush foliage, and passing a series of pretty cascades. It’s incredibly tranquil, with the sound of the running water as a constant backdrop.
Our favourite view is from the railed overhang looking back up at the cascades. There is currently some flood debris in front of the falls, but it’s still a fabulous view. You can also continue on from the overhang for a few minutes to reach another great view, this time of the Jamison valley.
You can read our full guide to the cascades plus two further waterfalls along the same track here.
10. Enjoy the stunning view at Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
Bridal Veil Falls is a spectacular waterfall located along the Prince Henry Cliff Track. It always reminds me of a mini Wentworth Falls in the way the water cascades over the rock. Whilst you can’t see the whole waterfall from the lookout, what you can see is beautiful, particularly after rain.
Normally the walk to get to this lookout (beginning at Tarpeian Rock) is just under 1km return, and has a few stairs to climb, but is generally very easy.
Currently access to Tarpeian Rock from Cliff Drive is closed so you need to walk from Olympian Rock Lookout, which is 900m each way. It’s not a hardship though because Olympian Rock Lookout is gorgeous and the path to get to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout is very pretty.
11. Have a chocolate shot at Josophan's Chocolates
I hadn’t heard of a chocolate shot before either, but I can highly recommend popping in to Josophan's Chocolates and trying one! It’s a small cup of very rich, very delicious hot chocolate, which feels like an indulgence without being too much.
I am sold and can see it being a regular temptation from now on.
As well as the chocolate shots, there are pastries which can be dipped in the chocolate fountain and of course a huge variety of chocolates. There’s every flavour under the sun, from standards like milk and praline, to Mayan chilli and lime with basil.
You can also watch a bit of the production going on too.
The shop is open daily from 9am - 5pm and they have a few tables and chairs outside if you want to sit and relax.
12. Hike to the top of Lockleys Pylon for spectacular views
Lockleys Pylon is an easy walk with jaw dropping views from the top. Whilst the early part of the trail might not blow you away, the section from the ridge to the pylon certainly will.
You’ll have panoramic views of Mount Hay, Mount Banks and the Grose Valley and if you get a calm day (it can be a pretty windy spot) it’s a wonderful place for a lunch break.
The track is just over 7km return and has a small amount of climbing, but nothing overly taxing. Whilst this track has grown in popularity recently, it’s still relatively quiet.
If you’re up for walking a bit further you can also add on the viewpoint at Du Faur Head. More details on Lockleys Pylon and the side trail are in this post.
Where to stay in Leura
The Fairmont hotel (where we stayed)
The Fairmont in Leura is an M Gallery hotel, so you know the standard and quality you’ll be getting. We love the lobby here which has panoramic views of the valley ahead. It has a fireplace and comfortable chairs, making it a great place to retreat on a cold winter’s day.
Unfortunately not all rooms have a view, ours didn’t, and it was the one disappointment for this hotel.
Opt for a room with a stunning mountain view if you can.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
Old Leura Dairy
The Old Leura Dairy is full of rustic charm and a great place to stay when you want to be able to self cater. They have quite a few different options from studios to bigger cottages and all are surrounded by pretty gardens. Some also have fab free standing bath tubs.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
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