Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Step into this historic settlement among the sandstone buildings of Hartley Historic Site, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow. Stay in the renovated historic cottages, take a short walk, visit Talisman gallery, enjoy a tour, or hire St Bernards Church for a wedding.
Read more about Hartley Historic Site
Set among pastures, orchards, and nineteenth and twentieth-century cottage gardens, the lovely sandstone buildings in Hartley Historic Site preserve an important piece of history. This well preserved 19th century village was one of the first rural settlements west of the Blue Mountains.
The site was originally established as an administrative and judicial centre for the region with the building of the Mortimer Lewis designed courthouse in 1837. Seventeen buildings tell the story of the village, from the 1837 Greek Revival courthouse, to Corneys Garage built of timber and iron in 1945 and now an antique shop.
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. Enjoy a short walk up to The Tor, a place of great significance to the local Aboriginal community with dreamy views looking down into the valley. Dogs are permitted in the village if held on a lead at all times.
Why not hire the courthouse or St Bernards Church for a unique wedding or event and take advantage of the scenic views? Old Trahlee and St Bernard's Presbytery are 2 rennovated cottages available for accommodation bookings in the village.
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 make a booking.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/hartley-historic-site/local-alerts
Contact
- 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.
-
-
Hartley Visitor Centre
02 6355 2117
Contact hours: 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. - Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790
-
Email: hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au
-
Hartley Visitor Centre
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Hartley Historic Site.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Mt Victoria:
- Travel west along the Great Western Highway
- Turn left into the village 4km after Little Hartley
Parking
- Hartley Courthouse See on map
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
There is no public transport available to Hartley Historic Site.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you at Hartley Historic Site. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Enjoy the village as the days grow warmer and the trees are in blossom.
Summer
Bring the kids in the school holidays and step inside the amazing coolness of Hartley Courthouse, with its thick sandstone walls.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
12°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
38.4°C
Winter temperature
Average
1°C and 13°C
Lowest recorded
–8°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
179mm
Facilities
Toilets
Picnic tables
- Corneys Garage
- Hartley Courthouse
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre
- Old Trahlee
- St Bernard's Presbytery
Barbecue facilities
Drinking water
Showers
Electric power
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Pets
You can walk your dog on-lead at this location. See other regional parks in NSW that have dog walking areas.
Visitor centre
-
Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre
Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790 - 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 02 6355 2117
Nearby towns
Hartley (1 km)
The small village of Hartley features one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, providing a captivating look into the country's colonial past.
Lithgow (14 km)
Hassans Walls Lookout, near Lithgow, is the highest in the Blue Mountains. Admire Mt Wilson, Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland as well as the pretty Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong valley and Mt Bindo. While there, go for a walk or ride around the lookout.
Mount Victoria (30 km)
One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the Blue Mountains is on the clifftop drive between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls. Lookouts, picnic areas and walking trails sprinkle the drive.
Learn more
Hartley Historic Site is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
The story of settlement
This exceptionally well-maintained village is of national historical significance as a substantial early nineteenth-century settlement. It tells modern visitors a great deal about the expansion of European development in inland Australia and the beautiful old buildings illustrate the changing role and fortunes of Hartley from first settlement of the inland to the beginning of the motor transport era. You can find out all sorts of interesting facts at the visitor centre and educational groups can book tours with advance notice on (02) 6355 2117.
- 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.
- Hartley Courthouse This fine example of colonial architecture allows you to imagine the convicts, magistrates and members of the public passing through its doors. Book a guided tour through Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre.
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre Stop in at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to find out about the history of the buildings and town, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
- Hartley historical tour On this interactive Stage 3 (Years 5-6) History excursion, students visit key sites in the Hartley Historic Site colonial village: the courthouse, the gaol and St Bernards Church. They'll explore the history of how this key colony developed and take part in fun re-enactments with our Discovery Rangers.
- St Bernards Church Take a tour or arrange a wedding at St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.
Excellent bushwalking on historic roads
The Hartley area is great for bushwalking along the early roads. After your visit to the village, you may like to set out on Lawson's Long Alley, Lockyer's Pass or Berghofer's Pass. Check out the Lithgow Town and Around website for details. The rural setting of Hartley is welcoming and peaceful – perfect for a picnic or a satisfying stroll. Explore the interesting remnants of heritage plantings surrounding the buildings in the village and keep an eye out for the many birds that thrive amid the gardens and native forest.
- 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.
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre Stop in at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to find out about the history of the buildings and town, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
Aboriginal meeting place
Hartley was once a meeting place for the Wiradjuri from the west and Gundungurra tribes from the east. In colonial times, Hartley Courthouse served as a mustering point for Aboriginal people.
Education resources (1)
School excursions (1)
What we're doing
Hartley Historic Site has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.