Escape to the world famous World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and enjoy luxury resort accommodation at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa.
You've caught us at a good time. Our rooms, suites and dining spaces are newly refreshed and the hotel is in full swing—with only the spa taking a short pause as it evolves in the background. Come for the fresh look. Stay for a quieter moment before the curtain rises on Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, arriving in mid-2026.
LILIANFELS RESORT & SPA
Our luxury Blue Mountains hotel offers something for everyone.
Originally a summertime mountain escape for the Darley family, Lilianfels has become an institution for holidaymakers from Australia and around the world.
Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a renowned haven for relaxation and a delight for gourmets in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations, picturesque Jamison Valleys and escarpments, abundant wildlife and scenic attractions right at your doorstep.
Our luxury Blue Mountains hotel offers a range of onsite facilities to meet the needs of each and every guest.
Cocktail bar
Two pools
Tennis
Bikes
Our friendly Concierge Team are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and keep you in the know about the latest activities and events in the Blue Mountains.
Temporary closure
Our on-site spa is taking a short pause, beginning a thoughtful transformation behind the scenes. During this time, you are welcome to visit our nearby sister retreat, Parklands Day Spa. We'll take care of the details, including transfers for in-house guests, so you can simply slip into some uninterrupted relaxation.
Our outdoor pool is currently closed for winter (May-September), with our indoor pool open year-round.
Getting here
Lilianfels Resort and Spa, 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba NSW.
Steeped in history, Darley’s Restaurant is set in the heritage listed, original homestead of Sir Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief Justice of NSW and is a tribute to a bygone era.
Sir Fredrick Matthew Darley was born in 1830 in Dublin, Ireland. He married his wife, Lucy Forest Brown, in December 1860, who was born in Melbourne. They met while she was traveling with her brother to England.
He arrived in Australia in 1862, on the advice of the Chief Justice of NSW who convinced him that he would further his career in the colony. Sir Frederick was knighted in 1887, and served five times as Lieutenant Governor of NSW, one such term spanning of the Commonwealth of Australia of 1901.
In August 1888 Sir Frederick Darley purchased over 11 acres of land adjacent to Echo Point in Katoomba.
He built a summer residence for the family over the year of 1889, designed by architect Varney Parkes (son of Henry Parkes).
The Darleys had seven children, five daughters and two sons, and it was Lilian, who died of tuberculosis at age 22, for whom the Katoomba property was named.
The property was used for a summer residence and nearly every noted visitor to Australia accepted the Darleys’ hospitality enjoying the magnificent outlook.
Royalty, Vice Royalty and Princes of Statesmanship, Jurisprudence, Science and Art came in to view the Mountains from the magnificent vantage point at Lilianfels.
Before his death, Sir Frederick sold Lilianfels to George Begg Vickery in 1908, and again over the next 4 years Lilianfels was used as a summer residence only.
In 1912 Mr Albert A Kemp of Sydney purchased Lilianfels and for the first time the house was used as a permanent residence.
Mr Kemp was the first to subdivide the original land parcel, and sold the property in 1920.
It is assumed the house was named Lilianfels is in honour of Lilian, coupled with the German fels for high land.
Darley’s Restaurant is situated in the original Lilianfels House, which was built over 100 years ago.
The restaurant has recently undergone a fresh refurbishment and still resides at Lilianfels Resort and Spa.
Following an idea of the previous General Manager, Lowan Sist, a hotel mascot for Lilianfels Resort and Spa was born and the hotel adopted a loveable cuddly teddy bear, for all children and guests to enjoy.
The teddy bear was named Sir Fred, named after Sir Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief Justice of NSW and the founder of the original Lilianfels homestead.
For over 18 years Sir Fred has been famously renowned to feature throughout the memories of all guests.
Be sure to look for Sir Fred and continue the rich history and memories associated with this teddy bear next time you stay at Lilianfels Blue Mountains.
Experience luxury Blue Mountains accommodation
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a weekend with the girls or your mates, or a fun-filled family holiday, our luxury Blue Mountains hotel offers something for everyone.
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