Every October, the Blue Mountains come alive with colour, fragrance, and community spirit as the Leura Gardens Festival takes centre stage.
Nestled among the heritage homes and leafy streets of Leura, this annual celebration of spring is a beloved tradition that draws visitors from near and far.
The festival offers a rare opportunity to wander through some of the region’s most exquisite private gardens, many of which are only open to the public during this time of year.
Against a backdrop of crisp mountain air and blossoming landscapes, the festival perfectly encapsulates the charm of springtime in the Blue Mountains.
The Story Behind the Festival
The Leura Gardens Festival has its roots in community generosity. It was established with a simple but meaningful purpose: to raise funds for the Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital and other local health-related organisations.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a much-anticipated event, combining philanthropy with beauty. Garden owners, volunteers, and local businesses come together to create a celebration that benefits both the community and its visitors. This combination of artistry, horticultural passion, and neighbourly spirit makes the festival truly unique.
What Visitors Can Expect
The festival showcases a spectacular array of gardens, each with its own personality and charm. From sprawling estates with manicured lawns and elegant rose beds to intimate cottage gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of colour and design. Azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and cherry blossoms are among the floral highlights, offering a vivid display of spring at its peak.
Beyond the gardens themselves, the festival offers a variety of experiences. Visitors can enjoy live music performances tucked away amongst the blossoms, browse art and photography displays inspired by the region, or pick up a unique memento at one of the plant stalls. Many gardens also provide refreshments, making it easy to spend a leisurely day meandering from one enchanting space to another.
Perhaps the most enchanting aspect is the chance to step through the gates of private gardens usually hidden from public view – each one a personal labour of love.
Festival Highlights for 2025
This year’s festival promises to be especially memorable. A selection of new gardens will be featured alongside long-time favourites, offering fresh inspiration and variety. Visitors can look forward to themed displays showcasing sustainable gardening practices, floral artistry, and creative landscaping. Musical interludes and guided tours add to the festive atmosphere, ensuring there is something for everyone.
The Leura Gardens Festival 2025 will run across the 3rd – 6th October, making it accessible for day-trippers and those staying longer in the region. Tickets can be purchased online or at the festival gates, with proceeds directly supporting local health services. Shuttle buses will again operate between garden sites, providing a convenient way to explore without the stress of parking.
Exploring Leura Beyond the Festival
Leura itself is a destination worthy of exploration. After a day among the blossoms, visitors can stroll along Leura Mall, where boutique shops, antique stores, and cosy cafés line the streets. Seasonal dishes featuring fresh local produce are readily available, offering the perfect way to refuel after a day outdoors.
For those who wish to extend their visit, the nearby walking tracks and lookouts, such as Sublime Point or the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, provide breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley.
In October, the entire Blue Mountains region is alive with activity. From art exhibitions and markets to outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of ways to complement the Leura Gardens Festival with other memorable experiences.
Staying with Mountain Whispers
For those seeking a touch of luxury, a stay with Mountain Whispers offers the ideal pairing with the festival. Our collection of heritage homes provides the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Guests can return from the festival to unwind with afternoon tea in elegant surroundings, enjoy a glass of wine by the fire, or simply relax in the tranquillity of beautifully restored properties.
Conveniently located within easy reach of Leura, Mountain Whispers offers an inviting base for visitors wishing to immerse themselves fully in the Blue Mountains experience. With curated itineraries tailored to the season, guests can blend the beauty of the festival with the indulgence of a heritage stay.
A Celebration of Beauty and Community
The Leura Gardens Festival is far more than a showcase of horticultural excellence – it is a celebration of community, generosity, and the enduring beauty of the Blue Mountains in spring.
For visitors, it offers not only inspiration for their own gardens but also an unforgettable experience that connects them with nature, history, and local spirit.
As the blossoms unfurl and the gardens open their gates, October in Leura invites you to step into a world of colour and charm. Pair it with the comfort of a Mountain Whispers stay, and you have the makings of a truly enchanting Blue Mountains escape.
**Images: Leura Gardens Festival
