Hartley Courthouse
Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Hartley Courthouse is the perfect venue for history buffs, or for those just looking for a venue hire option with a uniquely historic flavour.
- Where
- 44 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 - in Hartley Historic Site
- Venue is suitable for
- Arts and cultural events, private party or function and wedding ceremonies
- Capacity
-
Maximum people: 40
The venue can hold 40 people for indoor events and 100 people for outdoor events. - Facilities
- Picnic tables, carpark, toilets
- Fees
-
$850 for use of the internal building, including a rehearsal day on either side. Outdoor wedding ceremonies are $375 for a 3 hour booking.
- Availability
-
Available to hire 7 days a week except 25 and 31 December, and 1 January.
Venue not available for exclusive hire
The space outside the front of the courthouse is available for non-exclusive hire only. The internal courthouse building can be hired exclusively. - Bookings
- Bookings are required. To make a booking or for more information contact Hartley Visitor Centre.
- Other Information
- The outdoor space in front of the courthouse can be hired for non-exclusive events such as wedding ceremonies.
- The courthouse building can be hired exclusively for wedding ceremonies and events.
Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Grecian Revival style. Still largely intact and constructed solidly of locally quarried sandstone, it’s an imposing building, as it was designed to be, and provides an impressive backdrop to any wedding or special event.
The building’s 3 doorways provided entrances for prisoners, the public and magistrates, and today, visitors can explore the cellblock that housed prisoners and convicts. Many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves were kept here inside these cells, with their bars and bolts still in position. You can just imagine the thoughts of men that were once used to roaming the country being locked up tight in this remote prison.
As the convict system faded into history, and Hartley was bypassed by the new railway, the need for a courthouse here diminished. Benefits were held in this grand old building during World War II, and nowadays you and your guests can wander through this historic building, celebrating your special day while contemplating Australia’s vivid colonial past.
Nearby
-
St Bernards Church
Take a tour or arrange a wedding at St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.
-
Old Trahlee
Old Trahlee offers unique accommodation in a charmingly restored colonial cottage in Hartley Historic Site, at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
-
St Bernard's Presbytery
Stay at deluxe St Bernard’s Presbytery cottage for a romantic getaway. Located only 15 minutes from Mount Victoria, it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Hartley Historic Site’s colonial past.
-
Corneys Garage
Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Corneys Garage. Browse through a beautiful selection of antiques, while enjoying an immersive shopping experience near Lithgow.
Operated by
- Hartley Visitor Centre
- 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 02 6355 2117
- hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790
Park info
- in Hartley Historic Site in the Sydney and surrounds region
Hartley Historic Site is open every day but access may be limited at times due to fire danger, school bookings or organised events.
What's nearby:
Things to do (33)
- Adventure sports (3)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (3)
- Cycling (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Historic heritage (6)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (4)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sightseeing (12)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (14)
- Waterfalls (8)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (3)