About Leura Memorial Gardens
Located in Leura, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, the property offers stunning views of Mt. Hay and the Grose Val ley, fostering a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
Constructed in 1993, the crematorium and gardens garnered widespread praise from the local community for its beauty and convenient location.
Why Choose Us
As a family owned and operated crematorium, we take pride in the services we provide. Take your time looking around our website to see what we can do for you or contact us to arrange a tour. Below you will find some key points to help you decide on a venue to hold such an important event.
Experience the tranquillity as you sit in our air conditioned chapel on modern comfortable pews and gaze through the tree tops to the distant hills beyond.
We cater to all religions and cultures.
The Chapel
Designed by renowned architect Mr. George Wilkie, offers seating for 98 people and is equipped with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, including outdoor TV’s & speakers to accommodate larger services. The AV system features streaming and recording capabilities, supported by two internal monitors. Elegantly finished the space includes wheelchair access for convenience. Additionally, the facility boasts beautiful stained-glass windows.
The Gardens
The gardens have been thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of reflection and serenity. Crafted with drystone walls by Phill Harris, an apprentice to the renowned lb Sorenson, the grounds feature the best collection of cool-climate plants in the Blue Mountains. Among the highlights are vibrant rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, Japanese maples, Kanzan cherries, box hedges, and sasanqua camel l ia hedges. An onsite dam provides irrigation across the entire property, ensuring lush greenery year-round. The estate also includes a propagation area for in house plant cultivation.
The History
“The Nest” has historical significance at the local level as a rare example in the Blue Mountains of a 19th-century stone residence in a non-urban setting.
The following historical notes are quoted from J. Bennett and are now in the Blue Mountains Historical Society.
“The property was purchased originally in 1884 by a man named J.C. Glue. The price paid was £101. Glue sold it in 1894 to Mr S.E. Lees. In 1900 Lees sold the property to Mr J.C. Williamson, who used it as a rest home for some of his staff and members of his theatrical chorus.
In 1902 it was purchased by Mr S.A. Kellaway, who during the year mortgaged it. The mortgage was discharged in 1908 when it came into the hands of Rev. W.A. Highway (Heighway?), a Methodist Minister. Heighway mortgaged it again and this mortgage was not discharged until 1911 when it was taken over by Mr J. Obrien (or O’Brien).
Mr Martin Flynn acquired the property in 1918, and it passed into the hands of the Union Trustee Co., and Catherine Flynn in July 1938. In 1941 (January the 14th), the title was transferred to the Rev. Bro. M.B. Hanrahan as Provincial of the Christian Brothers. Reference to title Vol 4939, folio 225.” (Extract from Bennett, 1966).
The house was sold in 1992 to Patricia and Stephen Murphy, and a chapel and crematorium were erected beside it. Some of the 20.3 acres surrounding the house were converted to memorial gardens.
Acknowledgement of Country
Leura Memorial Gardens acknowledges the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Leura Memorial Gardens.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connection to this land.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who come to Leura Memorial Gardens.