Springtime Sings as Peppers Fairmont Celebrates the Annual Leura Gardens Festival

Situated in the heart of Australia’s World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, Peppers Fairmont Resort captivates with its breathtaking panoramic views of the Jamison Valley. A natural delight all year around, the resort truly blossoms in October when its delightful gardens burst to life as a stellar attraction of the Leura Gardens Festival.

The Peppers Fairmont Resort garden is famed for its magnificent lakes and majestic waterfall flanked by soft ferns and elegant Gymea Lilies. A wander through the tranquil surroundings reveals bountiful Azalea beds and lively Juniper hedges that gently nestle the placid waters. Australian Cycads line the middle lake area whilst white-barked Silver Birches overlook proceedings in various clusters along the way. Also in abundance are the Tupelos trees, their leaf buds just hinting at the fresh, green leaves soon to burst into life. Far up along the main track the popular ‘Mount Fuji’ resides. The white, early flowering cherry stands like a wise old sage. As you stand by the gnarled old trunk you may hear dulcet musical tones drifting down from the gazebo, the site of much of the festival’s free musical entertainment.

DATES AND ATTRACTIONS: The Leura Gardens Festival runs from 1st October to 9th October, inclusive. The festival boasts nine garden locations throughout the Leura area. All locations, including the Fairmont Resort are open for inspection between 9:30am to 4:30 pm daily.

The gardens of Leura are famed for their blaze of springtime colour and beauty featuring triumphant Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias as well as flowering shrubs and annuals.

The delightful flora on display is the primary feature of the festival, however there are many other alluring attractions. The festival inspires a flurry of artistic creation and fosters local art, poetry and photographic competitions. Original works inspired by the blossoming gardens will be displayed at various locations. Another key feature of the festival is the ‘Music in the Gardens’ program, many of these acts can be seen in the gazebo at The Peppers Fairmont Resort at no additional cost.

MUSICAL PROGRAM: The musical program runs throughout the festival. The gazebo at Peppers Fairmont will house a variety of musical acts to suit all tastes and moods. Enjoy the playful Barbershop harmony of the Silver Fox Quartet, the A Capella operatics of 3 Alone or the robust flair of Blue Mountains Brass. Featuring a number of local wind and string orchestral groups, Music in the Gardens is a celebration of local talent and musical variety. For full program details see www.leuragardensfestival.com.au

CHARGES: An inclusive ticket for $16 to inspect all gardens including Everglades (children free); OR single gardens $5 per person (children free). (With Everglades at its normal admission of $6, $4 Concession.)

GETTING THERE: Leura is located just 100km west of Sydney. Trains for Leura depart Sydney (Central) Weekdays at am 7.30, 8.22, 9.02, 9.57, 10.57. (Timetable correct at time of publication.) Alternatively, Leura is just a 90 minute drive from Sydney. A trolley shuttle will meet incoming trains up to 1pm and provide transport between the garden locations. (An all-day shuttle ticket is $4.50)

October is a truly delightful time to visit Peppers Fairmont Resort. Linger a while in the breathtaking gardens, enjoy a recital in the gazebo or stay overnight and enjoy the spectacular view from one of our rooms. Compliment a leisurely day in the gardens with a relaxing beauty treatment, a hit of golf or a delicious meal at the Terrace Restaurant. Accommodation at Peppers Fairmont starts at $288 per night. The resort houses a variety of facilities and recreational activities to suit all tastes and is superbly located for local attractions, such as bushwalking, lookouts and scenic tours.

All prices are based on twin share accommodation, and are subject to availability. For bookings or more information, please contact Peppers Fairmont Resort on 02 4784 4144 or go to www.peppers.com.au.