Old world chic perched on the edge of the National Park, Lilianfels combines traditional accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere that spells 'leave your worries at the door'. Lilianfels started as the Victorian home of then Chief Justice of New South Wales, Sir Frederick Darley, and continues its grand country house tradition today as a Luxury Collection Resort. It's all picnics on clifftops and high tea at three for cashed up weekenders escaping urban Sydney, and international guests doing their Australian 'tour'.
Enter via a gravelled driveway past the swanky pool begging for a cocktail. There's a Great Gatsby feel to the open plan salon with grand piano, fireplaces, French doors, terrace and Victorian couches to lose yourself in. A distinctly retro indoor swimming pool with traditional wide striped towels and glass conservatory, plus a full-sized billiard table and a tennis court, complete the historical picture. There are two acres of landscaped gardens, and vast bathrooms with deep vanity sinks in each of the gracious bedrooms. Don't overlook the award-winning cuisine at Darley’s restaurant, nor the seriously seductive spa tucked away in the basement of pampering.
Highs
- Service, service, service - friendly, impeccable and discreet
- Proximity to the Three Sisters rock formations and a plethora of bush walking tracks
- Darley’s restaurant has won repeated "chef's hats" - Sydney's equivalent of a Michelin star
- We loved our four handed poultice massage treatment in the spa
Lows
- The very old-fashioned country house décor is not for everybody, and some guests mention that it is starting to look a bit tired
- It's not absolute clifftop - a road divides it from the national park, but you can easily walk to the public viewpoint
- Daytrippers break the spell when showing up for high tea and a look-see
- At 85 rooms, it's larger and better known than most of our chosen hotels
Best time to go
The Blue Mountains are cooler and wetter than Sydney - typically 5-10 celsius in winter (June-August) and around 20 celsius in summer (December-February). Winter is actually the most popular time, for cosy fireside escapes with the (small) chance of snow - there might be 4 or 5 snowfalls per year, and predominantly on the mountaintops around 1000 metres. In summer it is a welcome relief from Sydney's sticky heat, and poolside loungers are in high demand. Spring and autumn can have wonderful clear days which suit outdoor pursuits; September is excellent for wild flowers.
Our top tips
Pack sunscreen and insect repellent, and walking shoes are a must. It’s sacrilege not to take the walk down to the valley floor - but be warned the walk back up is a killer.
- Boutique Hotel
- 85 rooms
- Restaurants & bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
All rooms are decked out in elegant Victorian style (think canopied beds and pretty florals), combined with five-star comforts like crisp sheets, feather down duvets, thick fluffy towels and wonderfully spacious marble bathrooms. They're arranged across the ground floor and over the top two floors - all have been recently refurbished.
Most Deluxe Rooms overlook the English style gardens. These have rich, sumptuous fabrics and wall coverings. The marble ensuite bathrooms have deep bathtubs.
Return guests usually request the more expensive Deluxe View Rooms for the breath-taking vistas across Jamison Valley. These are individually decorated with marble bathrooms and plush towelling bathrobes.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Minibar
- Safe box
Eating
Lilianfels is known for its upscale 3-course dinners at Darley’s Restaurant (open Tuesday-Saturday), set in the original homestead of Sir Frederick Darley by the rose garden and outdoor swimming pool. Its modern Australian cuisine has earned consecutive "chef's hats" in the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide. We gorged on rock oysters with champagne vinegar sorbet, followed by mandagery creek venison - rare roasted, with celeriac cream, salsify and horseradish jus. Fresh seafood and Australian beef and lamb also feature, with locally produced cheeses and an impressive international wine list.
It’s all very olde worlde with stained glass, open fires and superb balcony views over the Blue Mountains. Ingredients are organic where possible and dishes are traditionally slow cooked. Book at least a week ahead.
If you prefer southeast Asian cuisine, the hotel's more casual restaurant Miss Lilian (open Thursday-Monday) offers authentic Vietnamese and Thai dishes alongside Cantonese inspired Dim Sum. Highlights include Mongolian Braised Beef Short Rib, Lemongrass Pork & Prawn Siu Mai, and Pho (Beef Noodle Soup); and there are cocktails and mocktails as well as coconut juice and Vietnamese coffee.
The lounge area offers high tea daily, and there's a mahogany bar serving cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Explore the wonderful Blue Mountains - named for the blue haze caused by the fine droplets of oil which rise from the eucalyptus covering the area. This is real Jurassic Park landscape, older then the Grand Canyon, and criss-crossed by bush-walking and mountain-biking trails (there are complimentary bikes at the hotel). Don't miss the Katoomba Falls, the sandstone crevice of Devils Hole, and the endless vistas of the Jamison Valley
- Gawp at the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, a short walk away. Abseiling and rock climbing can be arranged locally; the amazing limestone formations of the Jenolan Caves are an hour’s drive away
- The World Heritage Listed bushland boasts excellent birdlife; the hotel can arrange guided walks
- Golf - there are four 18-hole courses in the area
- The nearby Scenic World has 4 fun rides for the family: the 'cableway' (an aerial gondola above the jungle), a railway (the steepest incline in the world) which takes you down to a lush valley, a wooden walkway which links the two, passing through ancient rainforest, and a new glass-floored 'Skyway' which soars 250m above ravines and waterfalls
- If that's too tame, try a 4WD safari, or take a back seat on a Harley Davidson mountain cruise
- Give your body a break at the highly-rated spa, with its indoor pool and 4 treatment rooms; there are all-day pampering packages, super stress-buster massages, four-handed poultice massages, even mens' grooming treatments - but do book at least a week before arrival
- There are several local art galleries nearby
- Keep fit in the health club, play tennis on the hotel's court set in the pine forest, relax by the outdoor pool, or book a yoga lesson
- If you're interested in themed team building events, there are opportunities for abseiling, rock climbing, horse riding, golf and canyoning
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Golf
- Gym
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Hot tub
- Plantlife / flora
- Sauna
- Spa treatments
- Tennis
- Trekking
- Well being
- Wildlife
- Yoga
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome, though it's really more suited for older, well-behaved kids. Besides the hotel pool and billiard table, they will love the mountains and their family-orientated attractions (including Scenic World).
Family friendly accommodation:
There are no family rooms as such, but families of 4 can request two interconnecting Deluxe rooms (one double and one twin).
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting available by arrangementBaby equipment:
Baby cots available on requestRemember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Lilianfels is in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, 1.5 hours' drive to the west of Sydney. The Blue Mountains are an ancient escarpment weathered into valleys, which now boast lovely waterfalls and great walks.
By Air:
Sydney (80km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Lilianfels offers an airport transfer which takes 1.5 hours. See Rates for details.
By Car:
It's worth hiring a car so you can tour around the spectacular Blue Mountains' region. See our car rental recommendations.
By Train:
Trains depart hourly from Sydney's Central Station and the journey to Katoomba Rail Station takes 2 hours.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Australia and getting around
Airports:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith 80.0 km SYD
Other:
- Beach 120.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Need flights?
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