The Town of Leura – Blue Mountain’s hidden gem

Boasting glorious greenery, charming shops, and infinite charm, find out why the town of Leura is worth your time!

The Blue Mountains is a wonderland for Australian wildlife, overflowing with thick bushland, cascading waterfalls and an expansive mountain range. But one of its greatest features is the charming towns sprawling about the mountaintops, with the town Leura undoubtably the favourite among them all.

The quaint town of Leura is nestled on the outskirts of Katoomba, nearby the heart of the Blue Mountains region, cushioned between lush greenery and the golden-orange escarpments. Although Katoomba is the Blue Mountain’s chief town, Leura’s draws visitors in with its quiet and undeniably charm.

The History of Leura

Before any European discovered the Blue Mountains, the original residents of the Leura region were the Dharug people. Ancient artefacts in the southern region of the town suggest that this Indigenous community date back more than 12,000 years, Continuing to live in the Leura area for generations.

In 1788, the first Europeans came to the area, but due to the region’s rough terrain, which the Europeans found too tough to breach, it wasn’t until 1813 when the area faced settlement. When trio of Gregory Blaxland, William Charles Wentworth, and Lieutenant Lawson explored further into the mountains, including Leura, and discovered a capable clearing for a settlement.

What makes it worth the visit

Due to its incredible location in the Blue Mountains, Leura is first and foremost a sightseeing destination and will provide you with ample opportunities to go out and explore the beautiful region. With a plethora of well-marked walking trails to choose from, you can lace up your hiking boots and set out in the early hours of the morning to enjoy the sunrise as it illuminates your surroundings in a heavenly glow. As you walk throughout the area you will find yourself awestruck by the seemingly endless beauty of the landscape as viewpoint upon viewpoint offer you unforgettable views.

But walking is not the only way to enjoy these views, you can experience them on horseback, or even with your blood pumping as you ride a bike along one of the many trails. For a truly great end to your day of trail-walking and sightseeing, you can stop off at Sublime Point and gaze out from this panoramic viewpoint, and as the sun begins to set you can catch a glimpse of the fiery orange glow of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

But Leura’s charm is not restricted to its surroundings, but is, in fact, due to the wonderful atmosphere that the town and its locals emit. You can visit The Mall, where you will find a choice of cafés, which in the spring will be surrounded by the petals of cherry blossoms. If shopping isn’t your scene, you can visit the town’s famed everglades garden, a 12.5-acre plot that houses beautiful views and amazing plant life that perfectly showcases the Blue Mountain vegetation. Pack yourself a picnic basket and enjoy a peaceful lunch among the trees on one of the garden’s many picnic tables.

Leura’s mesmerising views, delicious treats and wonderful atmosphere have made it one of Blue Mountain’s number one destinations.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.