There’s a certain “couture” unique to our region - an “edgy” , eclectic mix of strong colours and layers,  with a pooling of eras from vintage through to retro and beyond interspersed with art clothing, thanks to the wealth of textile artists living here in this Inaugural City of The Arts!

Well-known dressmaker and textile artist Dawn Wigge describes this “style” as . . .  ”not seasonal where items are grabbed because they’re trendy for the moment and then discarded:  It’s more a brooding, deep-seated creative individualism, where people make statements with their style, allowing experimentation with colour, for example.  Clothing becomes a drama”.

Slow Food Blue Mountains and Cittaslow Katoomba Blue Mountains have just produced a  SLOW SHOPPING TRAIL FOR FASHIONISTAS to highlight the Mountains’ unique style and at the same time support  local small businesses, our artists , charity shops   and the environment.  Woven through the Trail are some suggested delicatessen, cafe and restaurant ’stops’ along the way…

Leura has been nominated as one of the top 100 towns in Australia to visit, by Australian Traveller magazine.

The magazine said Leura, no. 28, was ”the wealthy neighbour to tourist-cluttered Katoomba, perched on a vast ridge in the Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains two hours west of Sydney”. It went on to say: “Leura is leafy and lovely, hitting our Top 100 for its winning combination of regal gardens, toys in a mansion, sweet shop delights and impressive arts and crafts stores”.

The magazine highlighted several must-see destinations in the picturesque township including Leuralla and its extensive toy museum, and the beautiful Everglades house and gardens.

Since the early 1980s, the people of the Blue Mountains have been celebrating Yulefest.

It all began when a group of Irish men were staying at the Mountain Heritage Hotel, enjoying sitting around the warm log fire while snow was falling outside. They told their host “it feels like Christmas at home in Ireland”. The host thought it would be a great idea to re-create a festive ‘Winter Christmas’ atmosphere for his guests, complete with all the trimmings including falling snow and feasts of turkey, mince pies and plum puddings with brandy custard - all part of the Yulefest spirit.

Since then Yulefest has grown to become the major seasonal event in the Mountains during June, July and August, and is enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.  Many venues offer traditional Christmas style celebrations. While cold winds blow and the occasional snow falls, experience warm Mountains hospitality, log fires, Christmas fare, sing-alongs and - if you’re good - a visit from Santa. 

For those that can’t visit during the Yulefest season, the Blue Mountains offers four distinct European-style seasons. The area’s many tours and activities attract more than 2 millions visitors a year.

Visitors can enjoy Australian Aboriginal walkabout tours, abseiling, canyoning, bushwalking, rock climbing, Harley Davidson rides, Jenolan Caves explorations and travel on the historic Zig Zag Railway or cableway.

The Blue Mountains is Australia’s oldest tourist destination and people are drawn there for its sheer beauty, many plunging waterfalls, blue-hazed valleys and wonderful climate.

To find tours and accommodation packages in the visit BookBlueMountains website, where you can make accommodation reservations and book tours. Blue Mountains Accommodation on offer include cottages, manor houses, guest houses, fully equipped holiday homes, bed and breakfasts, hotels, retreats, cabins and hotels in the Blue Mountains. From luxury 5 star hotels through to budget establishments, the Blue Mountains has it all. ??For additional information visit http://www.BookBlueMountains.com.au