Hartley Historic Site — Attraction in Hartley

This historic village has so much to offer! I’m a local but never ventured out to the village before and decided to do a self guided tour. I started in the courthouse, then the holding cells and lastly St Bernard’s Church.

The courthouse has such a significant role in the history of not only Hartley but the blue mountains as well. The courthouse is set up well with educational displays, but its unique architecture is what really captured me. Connected to the courthouse is the holding cells, which featured an educational hologram which is something I hadn’t seen before! The holding cells still had its original markings on the walls from people held there.

The church was my last stop, its beautiful stained windows and sandstone exterior looked so picturesque in the sun. It’s on top of a hill and there are some surrounding trees with a bench and an open space so you have plenty of room to enjoy its surroundings. A friend and I even sat down on the grass and had a quick break to enjoy the sun. Once you go inside it’s bigger then it seems, I was surprised at how well preserved the church is and its gothic inspired architecture.

I also went on the river walk down the bottom of the village which was an easy but beautiful walk. The river is so clear and the sound of the waters and surrounding nature make you forget the highway is nearby. Even saw a little platypus!

Would definitely recommend this visit to everyone, what a unique, special part of the mountains that I wish I had known...

Step into this historic inland settlement among the sandstone buildings of Hartley Historic Site, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow. Stay in the newly renovated historic cottages. The village also offers a gallery and tours.

Step back in time within the historic village of Hartley set into the western edge of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Set among pastures, orchards, native plants and nineteenth and twentieth-century cottage gardens, the village’s lovely sandstone buildings preserve an important piece of history: the settlement of inland Australia.

Seventeen buildings tell the story of the village, from the 1837 Greek Revival courthouse to Corneys Garage, built in 1945 of timber and iron. Explore the artefacts and family histories, find out about the region’s past at the visitor centre, or enjoy a picnic in the absolute serenity of historic Hartley.

In recognition of Hartley’s heritage significance, an exciting revitalisation plan is being developed, with improved facilities and new exhibition spaces. There are already a number of fascinating tours and events held at Hartley, so call ahead to...

We literally stumbled on this place when we were looking for things todo, on the way to Lithgow. Our first question was how much, we were surprised and impressed that the historic village that is located just off, just off the Great Western Highway. We highly advise, the visitor, to visit the Hartley visitor centre, located in the farmers inn, have a chat to the friendly staff, look around the small museum, and grab a map.

Due to co-vid we had the place to our-selves, it was so nice to walk amongst the preserved buildings, (see piccies attached), taking it all in. The Talisman Sculpture Walk, located behind the post office/cafe is a must as...