Down Memory Lane
Sadly this wonderful museum and garden closed in October 2022. I am leaving this blog active for those who have visited and would like a little reminder of just how special a place this was!
On our last trip to the Blue Mountains we were delighted to visit the historic Leuralla Toy and Train Museum. Housed in a two storey mansion is one of the largest collections of 20th century toys and model trains in the Southern Hemisphere! Surrounding the home are 12 acres of mountain gardens… filled with old train station memorabilia from Sydney and surrounds. Then just across the road is an impressive stone amphitheatre, with spectacular views over the Jamison Valley.
Where: Leuralla Blue Mountains – Leura
Website: Toy & Train Museum
Allow: Full Day Outing or Weekend Away
Getting there: 1.5 hours drive from CBD – train
Also see: Blue Mountains Attractions
Leuralla Historic House & Gardens
Completed in 1912, Leuralla is one of the oldest Blue Mountains heritage listed homes. The design of the house was influenced by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The most striking architectural features are the extensive maple paneling, carving and moulded ceilings. With its original furnishings and décor, and the superb gardens, it is an ideal venue for displaying the 20th Century toys, trains and station memorabilia.
Toy & Train Museum
Although I’m not really into toys and trains, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the enormous collection on display at Leuralla. From Barbie Dolls to Meccano sets, it seems like every toy from the 20th Century is represented here.
While much of the collection is behind glass, there are still many toys that are not. It could be a little torturous for a young child… so many toys just out of reach!
Apparently, on occasion the owners of this grand estate stay the night! What a strange experience to sleep within a vast toy collection… maybe even a little spooky! A number of the dolls expressions are of utter surprise… or is it fright… if only they could tell their story 🙂
When you enter the Leuralla garden you take a step back in time, into a world of fabulously reconstructed old train stations. If you’ve ever wondered what happened to all the old Sydney station signage and seating, wonder no more! Amongst the tall trees and surrounded by flower filled gardens is train station heaven…. Sydney stations have never looked so inviting 🙂 Also in the garden is a large Matterhorn model train line, with viaducts, tunnels, bridges and chairlifts.
Award Winning Gardens
While the toy and train collection is impressive, it was the delightful gardens that I found most inspiring. Our recent visit was on a beautiful spring morning. Beneath the spread of tall sheltering trees was a profusion of colour… tulips, daffodils and bluebells, with a red Asian style walkway lined with masses of camellias and cherry blossoms!
Although Spring is my favourite time to visit gardens, we did drop into Leuralla one wet foggy morning last Autumn. The entrance to the estate was eerily atmospheric, with large tree branches and the last of the autumn leaves silhouetted in the fog. I imagine the gardens would be stunning at any time of year.
Amphitheatre
Also part of the Leuralla estate, and just across the road from the Toy and Train Museum is an old lichen covered amphitheatre, affording expansive views across the Jamison Valley. Perched on the clifftops it is easy to appreciate why it would be an inspiring venue for a wedding… or any other type of celebration. We were lucky enough to experience it with no other visitors, just the birds!
Elysian Rock Lookout & Cliff Top Bushwalk
If you venture beyond the amphitheatre you will discover some excellent cliff top walking trails and inspiring lookouts. To the left of the amphitheatre there’s a bush track that leads you down to the Elysian Rock lookout. From there you can head in either direction to enjoy some cliff top tracks and views.
Other Attractions in the Area
Everglades Garden & Leura Village
Wentworth Falls National Pass
Wentworth Falls Village
