Shopping in Leura Blue Mountains
Elizabeth Rosa Stationery 
Address: 153 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 1022
Beautiful and elegant immediately come to mind as you stand at the entrance. A light-filled glow flows out onto the street and shoppers gather as if swept inside by its luminosity.
Once inside, that touch of elegance is obvious. Large fine wood armoires hold exquisite pens and papers. Walls of extraordinary wrapping paper, quality stationery and displays of beautiful invitations for every occasion catch your attention immediately. An attractive exhibit of calligraphic tools rests serenely, while on an opposite wall rows of stunning books - conversation pieces themselves - leather journals and artists' tools fill the shelves. Yet, unusual items to fit all budgets - massive or modest - and interests - children or children-at-heart - are beautifully laid out.
Elizabeth Rosa's love of fine objects began with a simple and superb leather diary, refillable, practical and Australian manufactured. The proprietors' eye for the elegant and the stylish has developed to perfection this shop on Leura Mall.
Megalong Books
Address: 183 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 1302
Megalong Books is a long-time mainstay on The Mall and 15,000 titles is an impressive number of books for this Leura icon. Walls and walls of books line shelves from floor to ceiling – each shelf holding some new surprise. For those of us who love books, Megalong is like comfort food – calm and reassuring.
Tucked away in this quirky and cosy shop are some must-reads in fiction or non-fiction, geography, history, travel and specialty books on the Blue Mountains. Grandparents: the children’s selection (in the back room) is quite extraordinary. You’ll find the perfect book for a wee one back home expecting a gift.
Most impressive though – unlike so many of today’s faceless bookstores, the staff are all knowledgeable readers! They can and will make great suggestions – fact or fiction.
If you’re planning a bushwalk around Leura or anywhere in the mountains, don’t overlook Megalong’s outstanding selection of titles about Blue Mountains walks. This is one remarkable bookstore!
Cicero
Address: Shop 2, 166-168 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 1976
Only a fashion designer could showcase her merchandise with such flair and style. Panache some would claim as the ever-changing shopfront windows display trendy urban fashions and elegant accessories.
Certainly "display" is a great window dressing, but Cicero proprietor, Lindy Wylie has arrived "in the zone" of high fashion and model-worthy style. Every piece is unusual, city-stylish or city-casual. Every piece is well constructed, and Lindy's ability to organise an ensemble of contrasting styles and colours is flawless.
From shoes to scarves to sweaters, colours burst forth in every corner or nook, yet when you need that little black number or a gorgeous pale champagne throw for a night in the city, Cicero is just the shop. Women's clothes are sourced from Spain, New Zealand and Melbourne, giving you a dynamic and chic look no matter what the season.
We rarely leave the shop without browsing longingly over the great selection of footwear from kinky summer sandals to stylish winter boots and the brilliant array of crazy socks. Perhaps it is a foot fetish!
Circus
Address: 172 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 1213
Donna Prudames – a well-known name in the clothing industry – has created a world of flair and fashion for women with her shops in Leura and Bathurst. This year (2010) Donna has taken Circus 'high-tech'. She is now selling online! Check out the website.
On The Mall, Circus is a crowd-pleaser, colourful and fun, bursting at the seams with girly things, pretty things. Looking to be a trendsetter? You’ll find your opportunity in this shop! Donna stocks handbags, belts and shoes for every season and along side the Circus label Australian-made or imported brands. It’s a place where browsing weekly is a must and buying is difficult to resist. If style is confusing, Circus offers personalised shopping.
Coats and jumpers arrive for those chilly, windy days and little slips of summer dresses appear in the window in time for the hot holiday season. Accessorise with the perfect jewellery, great sandals and the ensemble is so you.
Circus has an amazing collection, from Spotty Shoes to gorgeous vintage silk velvets. Svelte or sassy, high ticket or modestly priced, teenagers to grandmas create their style here. Check out the corner of body creams, gels and soaps. C’mon, spoil yourself with a trip to Circus; it’s a big-top affair.
Devine Dezine
Address: Shop 2, 178 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 2486
If you are looking for something exclusive, chic and a bit edgy, step into the Leura Strand shops. Devine Dezine is aptly named as designer jewellery is the centrepiece. Designers from around the world have made their way into this smart trendy shop – rarely will you find such a broad selection.
Take a long time to browse. The staff will assist you to create your own look from gorgeous Israeli pieces to the popular and bendable Burmese silver necklaces and bracelets. Surprise! Bendable silver – you design it for every occasion and outfit.
A selection of handbags, wallets and belts rounds out your choices. Don’t be timid. Go for it – after all, you’re the designer and it’s ‘your look’.
Renomee Recycled Designers and Vintage
Address: Shop 3 152 Megalong Street (off the carpark)
Phone: 02 4784 3487
With its entrance off the Leura car park, Renommee is tucked away in the back of a late 19th century workman’s cottage. The ambience is warm and the proprietor welcoming. Locals across the Blue Mountains make this a frequent stop as the turnover is fast – that perfect dress or jacket waltzes out on the arm of a happy customer as quickly as it came in!
Car coats, dressy coats, sophisticated party attire and fabulous footwear line the racks and shelves. Fine silk blouses and satin robes – all priced appropriately – are among the many choices. Take note of the stunning kimonos – usually one is on display in the Megalong window.
Customers are happy and laughter is frequent - and why not, when you can find upmarket designer clothing and a "good buy" all at once. If you think recycled designer clothing and vintage threads are hot (as do the locals in Leura), then Renommee is the shop for you.
Food, Wine & Flowers
The Candy Store
Address: Shop 6 Leura Strand Arcade, 178 The Mall
Phone: 02 4782 5190
Email: sales@candystore.com.au
The Candy Store is a step back in time for those of us with a sweet tooth, and at the Candy Store, chocolates, nougats, tins and toffees have been gathered from all over the world. Childhood comes rushing back the moment we open the door and the sweet smell of nostalgia takes us by the hand. If only we could sample all of the 1000 unusual candies. You could give it a try, this old fashioned lolly shop is open seven days a week.
Leura Butchery
Address: 176 The Mall
Phone: 02 4782 4411
Clean as a whistle, this sparkling butchery is for lovers of quality meats. If you are renting a self-contained unit with a great kitchen, you should include this Leura butchery in your menu planning. The owner/butcher brags about the sausages made on his premises, and we must agree; they are plump, and in various savoury flavours. We think the butchery can compete with the best of them in Sydney. Note: The young owner has a long, long family and commercial history in Leura and is proud of this heritage.
Note: The young owner has a long, long family and commercial history in Leura and is proud of this heritage.
Galleries & Studios
Canfield Studio
Address: 11a Craigend Street
Phone: 02 4782 3000
In the back garden of Argyll House accommodation, the Canfield Studio is home to local artist, Jane Canfield. Open upon request, the Japanese-style studio houses Jane's unique paintings of the Blue Mountains villages, city scenes and beautiful Melbourne beaches. The studio affords one of those rare opportunities to see the work and creative space of a young prize-winning artist. We've watched Jane expand her style and techniques in 2009, winning a number of exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne. If you are on The Mall in Leura, we highly recommend a short two-minute walk to Canfield Studio. See our photo gallery for examples of Jane's work.
Michael White
Art Gallery
Address: Shop 5,148 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 3017
The Michael White gallery is located past the Post Office Restaurant and across from La Violette and the Leura Post Office. The gallery showcases a substantial and striking exhibition of White's original oils, many painted on the finest Belgian linen. The contemporary gallery is large, so there is plenty of room to step back and take in the full effect of his technique and palette.
White captures many landscape scenes, some in muted tones reflecting a brilliant moon shimmering over a calm ocean or a bold escarpment sunset in stunning vivid colours.
Recent works are of northern New South Wales and Queensland - vibrant, almost shimmering eucalypt groves at sunset or at sunrise. While the subject matter could be in any location, we are drawn to the somewhat abstract 'forest trees in autumn' and the large triptych of a golden summer sunrise. In all, the theme of nature - ethereal and elusive - echoes throughout Michael White's work.
Throughout 2009, Michael painted in Europe and in Morocco and the paintings are currently on their way back to Australia for a 2010 exhibition. While certainly a world traveller and artist, Michael is eager to return to his Blue Mountains bushland studio and once again paint the Blue Mountains surroundings. He has developed a great appreciation and longing for the Australian light and landscape. Check out his website in early 2010 for examples of his new work.
Gifts & Pharmacies
Body & Being Massage, Healing, Beauty
Address: 173a The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 3498
Customised natural products for your skin and body are a specialty in this second storey wellness centre. Don't hesitate to come up the steps as products are on display in the reception area and the receptionist can answer questions you may have. Calm and serene is the mood at Body & Being. See Recreation for a full description of the wonderful services Body & Being Wellness offers.
Leura BESTBuy Pharmacy
Address: 163 The Mall
Phone: 02 4784 1386
Recently, the BESTBuy Pharmacy on The Mall underwent a transformation and what a pleasing result. Light and roomy, the pharmacy now offers a broad range of quality cosmetics and skin care. Vitamins and any health related products are also stocked. Of course, band-aids and cold medications are in good supply and if one of life’s minor emergency occurs, the experienced pharmacists will assist you to find what you need. On a very warm day in December, we were really happy to find great hats, providing a bit of protection and avoid sunburn. However, should the weather take a turn in July or August, ordinary fingerless gloves are the hottest item in town.
Gifts 'n Things
Address: 134a The Mall
Phone:02 4784 3832
The ultimate in a gift shop, Gifts ‘n Things truly lives up to its name. Faux flowers, rugs, pillows and many decorative countrywares and collectables line the shelves in this turn-of-the-century building. Interesting wooden and soft children’s toys are the perfect gift idea for eager children back at home, and if you are a devotee of country-style dolls, the selection here will charm their way into your heart and home. Don’t overlook the locally crafted jewellery on display and if vintage is your fashion, you’ll find period-style jewellery and scarves. Gifts ’n Things stocks a 100% cotton nightwear collection and is an appointed stocklist of Crabtree & Evelyn.
Ochre, Aboriginal Art & Gifts
Address: 82 Railway Pde
Phone: 02 4784 1100 (Closed Tuesdays)
At the top of Leura Mall and around the corner on Railway Pde, Ochre is a terrific gallery of art, weavings and carvings sourced from all over Australia. Most items are from Aboriginal-owned Art Centres (more about these centres and the business model later). We found amazing baskets and intriguing wall-size woven objects – Yawk Yawk – women’s protective spirits. Beautiful wool rugs which can double as wall hangings are also among the distinctive offerings. To our surprise, we completed our 2009 Christmas shopping when we found charmingly painted balls for the tree and unusual pillow covers inspired by fine art Indigenous designs – an original gift idea for friends abroad and sufficiently light to post internationally.
Ochre is a member of Better World Arts, a social entrepreneurial business worldwide. Bridging cultures globally, the organisation brings consistent and sustainable economic benefits at the grassroots level. They work with contemporary artists from remote Central and Northern Australia, along with indigenous communities across the world, including those in Kathmandu, Peru and Lima. The Art Centres across Australia uphold and promote cultural Aboriginal traditions – innovation, excellence and arts management unite to inspire and nurture. Fine art, fine craft and ethical trade is their trademark.
Hobbies & Entertainment
Hits & Myths
Address: 132 Megalong Street
Phone: 02 4784 2511
Email: info@hitsandmyths.com.au
On Megalong Street, Hits & Myths, catering to the taste of those over 30, is neatly organised world of entertainment. Among the selection of DVDs and CDs, you’ll discover some interesting choices – an eclectic mix of heritage rock, soundtracks with a dash of classical and world music and fantastic comedy CDs fill the shelves. Hits & Myths also has a collector’s corner where you will find a range of film goodies – the classics, great television series and much-loved operas. Believe it or not, Audrey Hepburn and Johnny Depp have their own sections. Contemporary films sit alongside exceptional 1940s collectors' films and in 2009, a selection of “biogs” about stars such as Bogart, Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn and Woody Allen was added along with 1001 albums to hear before you die and 1001 movies to see before you die. We’re uncertain we have enough time!
For unusual or hard-to-get music or movies – domestic or international – you need only ask the staff – service is an essential part of their business. Hits & Myths is a rare jewel in a village of this size.
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