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Into the blue

16 May 2013

The small towns around Leura are a perfect base from which to explore the Blue Mountains. Just be careful – you may never want to leave the crisp mountain air and village lifestyle.

Bushwalking

One of the best bushwalks around Leura takes just under two hours. Park your car at Explorer bus stop 16 on Cliff Drive, cross the road and take the track, following the signs. You will end up at the Echo Point lookout, where you can gaze upon the Three Sisters or have a coffee while you catch your breath. If you are organised enough to arrange it, you can’t beat a guided walk. Dylan from Wild at Heart Safaris in Katoomba expertly led me through the bush, telling fascinating tales about the different trees and helping me sneak up for a close look at animals’ well-hidden nests.

In town

Wander up Leura Mall – the charming main street far from the glow of the neon sign of the sprawling supermarket – for cute cafes and food stores, boutique shopping, and local art. Highlights include selecting delectable treats from chocolate emporium Josophan’s, picking up cheese and bread from the small shops dotted along the mall, and wandering among the work of local artists at the Lost Bear Gallery.

Teapots and scones

Chock full of estate jewellery, tableware and collectables, Leura’s Bygone Beautys also houses the world’s largest collection of teapots, with more than 3000 pieces. While you are there, be sure to order a Devonshire tea.

Wheeled out on a trolley to great fanfare, the Devonshire tea consists of house-made scones, fresh whipped cream and strawberry jam, and tea and coffee served in silver pots.

Scenic World

For a gentler bushwalking option, visit Scenic World. The Scenic Railway – a heart-stopping 52-degree descent into the valley – has just been revamped with a whole new visitor experience, glass-roofed red carriages with views of the spectacular Jamison Valley and the surrounding rainforest. Frightened of the steep descent? The Scenic Cableway runs up and down the mountain and is a less frightening ride. Once on the valley floor a ten-minute walk, half-hour loop, or a 2.4km stroll along the southern hemisphere’s longest boardwalk are all lovely.

Norman Lindsay Gallery

Stop at Springwood to visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery, once the home of the artist and his family. While Lindsay is a household name for his ‘Magic Pudding’ series, the rooms of the house are filled with his more risque nudes, and a tour will give you the lowdown on Lindsay’s fascinating life and relationships.