Hidden In Australia's Blue Mountains Is A Storybook Town With Cherry Blossoms And Scenic Waterfalls

Home to miles of thrilling hiking trails and pretty waterfalls, time-honored Aboriginal culture, the renowned Three Sisters geological formation, and much more, Blue Mountains National Park is a treasure within an easy drive of Sydney. The welcoming town of Leura is only a little more than 60 miles from Sydney Airport or downtown, and the escape comes complete with quaint boutiques and historic houses along gently rolling, tree-lined streets. And if you prefer to let someone else steer, it's also conveniently connected via train on the NSW TrainLink Blue Mountains Line, which departs Sydney at least every hour, with the journey taking around two hours. 

UNESCO doesn't call this inviting region the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area for nothing. At over 2 million acres, the site consists of eight protected areas with plenty to offer nature lovers. Leura is one of the area's most inviting gateway towns, which is good news, as half the fun of any trek to a national park is arriving in an energetic, picturesque community brimming with shops and eateries. Whether you've kitted up at an outfitters in neighboring Katoomba for your next hike or you're in the mood for a relaxed round of golf on a par 70 course, earmark Leura for a day trip or long weekend the next time you're traveling the A32. 

A visit to Leura wouldn't be complete without leaving Leura for a little while, but don't worry — you'll be back! Visitors find ample opportunities for getting outdoors in this area, with plenty of tours offering rock climbing, abseiling, swimming, and more in spectacular surroundings. You might even get a kick out of leaping a tiny yet terrifyingly deep gap on a 6-mile trail about 11 miles north of town. If you're not exactly an adrenaline junkie but you're looking for an activity that gets your heart rate up, lace up your hiking boots and head out on the Leura Cascades walking track, a moderately challenging in-and-out trail easily accessed from Leura station. The cliff-line route features views of Bridal Veil Falls along Leura Falls Creek and, just below it, another small yet impressive cascade called Weeping Rock.

When you make it back to town, it's worth pausing to check out the historic railway station before heading down Leura Mall, a charming commercial street lined with characterful brick storefronts and rows of trees. If you're a fan of trendy neighborhoods with art and irresistible cuisine, Leura is a celebration of small galleries and artsy shops like Moontree, With Max & Me, and The Nook that highlight handcrafted art and homewares by local artisans. And a quirky destination known as Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms offers, in addition to displays of more than 5,500 teapots, a theatrical take on high tea. You also won't want to miss picking out a great vintage at Leura Cellars, which specializes in fine wine — New South Wales is home to a whopping 16 wine regions — and a sweet treat from Josophan's Fine Chocolates for good measure.

If you're a fan of lush greenery, you'll be sure to enjoy the incredible flora in New South Wales National Trust's Everglades House and Gardens, which features a 1930s home replete with Art Deco details that you can visit year-round. A nominal entrance fee covers access to the house, acclaimed landscape designer Paul Sorensen's gardens, a serene grotto and reflection pool, and views across Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary, known to local Indigenous communities as Korowal, "the strong one."And if you really want to see a show, visit in mid-September when Japanese cherry trees explode with pink and white flowers.

The town's first house, built around 1880, is also listed on the NSW Heritage Register, and — it gets better — it's also an inn! Leura House features 11 elegant rooms plus a three-bedroom cottage nestled in verdant surroundings, with the center of town a short stroll away. And if you're seeking a stay of the all-inclusive variety, check into Fairmont Resort, which boasts a wide variety of rooms, five bars, restaurants, high tea, and a full-service day spa. Situated at the edge of town, south-facing rooms offer remarkable views toward Sublime Point and Lincoln's Rock. And after a day on the links at Leura Golf Club or shopping to your heart's content in the town center, you'll find a beautiful view no matter where you choose to catch the sunset at the end of the day.