I took a step back in time last weekend, indulging in fine dining at the multi-hatted Darley’s Restaurant and an unforgettable night at Lilianfels, topped off with the Louis Roederer High Tea for Two experience at the Hydro Majestic up the road.
Nestled in Katoomba, which burst with activity in 1879 when the coal mine opened, Lilianfels feels like it’s perched at the edge of the world, free from modern worries.
When I arrived at the resort on Friday afternoon, reception staff were immediately helpful, directing me to a parking garage beneath the building and providing a run-down of their amenities, which included a wellness spa, heated pools, tennis courts and complimentary bike hire.
I was relieved to get inside and escape the rain, and even more so when I walked into my Deluxe King Room on the first floor.
Upon opening the door, I was greeted by warm light and soft jazz music playing through the TV which sat atop a dark timber dresser – matching the bedside tables and the desk in the corner.
The room oozed a classic charm, with ornate furnishings, a canopy above the bed, subtle gold finishes on the décor, and busy – but not overwhelming – wallpaper.
Ordinarily, the window faced out to picturesque bushland, but due to the weather, it instead framed a sea of grey clouds, forcing me to take in nearer sights.
I observed the garden below my window, featuring orange and purple spring flowers, listened to the rain as it formed my own personal waterfall from the gutter to the gravel, and watched the branches of a bright green fern gently catch the breeze.
It was hard to abandon the room for a dinner reservation, but oh so worth it.
Right next to Lilianfels is Darley’s Restaurant, with views of the Jamison Valley and an impressive English garden.
It was built by the sixth Chief Justice of New South Wales, Sir Frederick Darley, in 1888 when he purchased over 11 acres of land adjacent to Echo Point.
The Darley family used the property as a summer residence, and it’s said the home was named Lilianfels in honour of his daughter, Lilian, who died of tuberculosis, and the German word for high land, ‘fels’.
The main dining room of the heritage-listed building features two open fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, dark designer wallpaper and plush furnishings. I was seated on what I imagine was once a wraparound verandah – now enclosed with sweet cottage windows – ready to experience a three-course feast.
The three-course menu at Darley’s is $145 per person, and I would recommend everyone try it at least once.
I chose a crispy pork belly entrée with scallop, poached pear and apple amaretto; for the main I selected the Tathra Place heritage lamb with heirloom carrots, orange witlof and broad beans; and for dessert, I savoured a Darley’s lamington which included chocolate-glazed mousse, coconut chiffon cake, Davidson plum jam and coconut textures.
I asked my waitress, a local girl from Katoomba, for advice while making my selections, and she did not lead me astray.
After dinner, I slept well in the comfortable bed, lulled to sleep by a full belly and the pitter patter of relentless rain, awaking refreshed the next day for breakfast at the downstairs Orangery Restaurant.
My coffee order was taken before I took my seat, and a barista-made latte promptly arrived at the table after I explored the buffet.
All possible breakfast needs were accounted for.
There was granola, cereal, eggs, baked beans, chorizo, buttery pastries, fresh fruit, and more – there was even a juicer to make your own morning refreshment!
And this was all in the lead up to the main event: The Louis Roederer Premium High Tea at the Hydro Majestic’s Wintergarden.
Before the food even arrived, I knew the experience would be special.
My table overlooked the Megalong Valley, finally visible through the stubborn blanket of cloud which now chose to haphazardly fill the empty spots between the mountains rather than cover them completely.
The dramatic scenery paired well with the music from the grand piano as the talented musician poured her heart into the keys.
The food arrived not long after being seated, elegantly displayed on a three-tiered stand with delectable sweet and savoury nibbles.
Some menu highlights for me included the vanilla scone with thickened cream and homemade seasonal berry jam, the Moroccan roasted lamb wrap with charred capsicum, feta cheese and sambal aioli, and the tropical fruit verrine with mango crameux, coconut parfait and guava jelly.
The experience is $280 per couple, including the high tea, a perfectly paired bottle of Louis Roederer Classic Brut, and top service.
Katoomba is known for its stunning views of Jamison Valley, Megalong Valley and the iconic Three Sisters – but after my weekend, I think it should be equally as known for its luxury food and accommodation steeped in history.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.