Getaway: A day in beautiful Leura
20 Apr 2015
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Leura Harvest Festival - 3 May, 2015
This annual festival is a great day out for the whole community. Not only are there wonderful tastings of local produce and regional beers and wines, there are also several competitions for the best pet chook in Leura, the reinvention of the lamington recipe, jam making and knitting. The event will be held among the cherry trees in the heart of the town and will also feature market stalls and presentations from guest speakers on a range of topics such as beekeeping, micro-farming and permaculture.
Leura Garden Festival - 3- 11 October, 2015
Leura gardens are well-known for they spectacular displays of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and other cool climate exotic flowers. This year, ten beautiful private gardens will be open for the public during the 51st Leura Gardens Festival from 3- 11 October, 2015.
You could just imagine great Australian artist Norman Lindsay being inspired by the magical Leura Falls. There are quite a few walks that you can access from this spot that you take you along to Echo Point or down through the Leura Forest. There's also a popular picnic area among the tall eucalyptus trees, too.
Sculpture at Scenic World - until 10 May, 2015
Not technically in Leura, but a short 10-minute drive away in Katoomba, Scenic World is hosting a wonderful event until 10 May, showcasing beautiful sculptures from 33 different talented local artists. Strolling through the beautiful rainforest and listening to the native birds is a magical experience, while admiring the various ways the creative artists have used the environment to showcase their works.
There’s a bright tin cow suspended from the branches of the trees, ‘jumping’ over a tin moon, giant Chinese characters made from pipes hidden among the trees, colourful knitted tubes laying across the rocks and more.
The exhibition program includes free guided tours, artist talks and workshops.
Eat
From oven-fired pizzas to wooden boards overflowing with delicious seafood, this rustic cafe and restaurant uses fresh local produce from the Blue Mountains in its menu. In addition to its fabulous modern Australian menu, the cafe has a warm, casual vibe and friendly staff.
Not only does this establishment offer a large array of mouthwatering antipasto, cheese and chocolate from local manufacturers, there’s a delightful cafe out the back for customers to enjoy. You’d be hard pressed to leave without a jar of mouthwatering jam or a block of organic chocolate.
Stay
This gracious hotel has been hosting visitors to the Blue Mountains since 1883 and features beautiful high ceilings and magnificent chandeliers. There is also a host of music events to enjoy, the leaf readings and a wonderful cocktail bar.
This charming home was built in 1909 and perfectly located in the heart of Leura, a 10 minute walk from the main strip to restaurants, shops and galleries. Each of the rooms retain many of original Federation features, many of which have a warm open fire to enjoy.
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