Hartley Courthouse

Hartley Historic Site

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

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.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
44 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 - in Hartley Historic Site in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Medium
Price

$8.80 for adults or $6.60 for concession (including students, seniors and pensioners). Children under 5 are free.

Opening times
Bookings
Call or email Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to make a booking. Book in advance for large groups, school groups, or other pre-arranged visits.
Hire this venue

Hartley Courthouse is available for events and function hire.

Please note
  • To see inside the courthouse and church, you’ll need to buy a ticket for a self-guided tour.
  • Contact Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to check self-guided tour operating hours.
  • Book in advance for large groups, school groups or for other pre-arranged visits.
  • Tours may be unavailable if school excursions are in progress.
  • Visitors can see Hartley Courthouse from the outside at any time.

Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style. This imposing building was constructed of locally quarried sandstone in 1837 and remains largely intact.

You’ll feel immersed in its past with re-enactments of the court process through audio tracks and holograms. You can even step into a prison cell that kept many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves. Inside the cells, with their bars and bolts still in position, you can imagine the thoughts of men used to roaming the country locked up tight in this remote prison.

In 1887 the Hartley Court of Petty Sessions was officially closed. It was reserved for public recreation in 1914 and became a popular rest stop for people travelling to Jenolan Caves. Today the building stands as a reminder of the past and the development of the colony. 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Hire this venue or stay:

  • The exterior of Hartley Courthouse framed by trees in Hartley Historic Site. Photo: Jennifer Leahy © DPIE

    Hartley Courthouse

    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.

  • St Bernards Presbytery, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    St Bernards Presbytery

    Stay at deluxe St Bernards 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.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/hartley-courthouse/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Hartley Courthouse.

Maps and downloads

Visitor centre

Learn more

Hartley Courthouse is in Hartley Historic Site. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Aboriginal meeting place

Looking up the hill towards a granite rock outcrop in Hartley named Kew-Y-Ahn which holds great significance to the local the Aboriginal community, and many artists, and photographers. Credit: Natasha Webb © Natasha Webb/DCCEEW

Hartley Historic Village is set in a landscape of great and continuing importance to Aboriginal people who have lived on and passed through this land for thousands of years.

A tor, or cluster of granite rocks known as Kew-Y-Ahn to local Aboriginal people, is said to have been a meeting place for the Wiradjuri People from the west and Gundungurra People from the east.

Excellent bushwalking on historic roads

2 people on Rowsons River walk, a boardwalk surrounded by bush next to the River Lett near Hartley Historic Site. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

The Hartley area is great for bushwalking. Kew-Y-Ahn Bells Rock Heritage Walking Track is a 600m return walk to a striking granite tor with valley views. Rowsons River walk is a 1km loop by the river and Rowsons Hut remains.

Outside the village, you may like to set out on Lawson's Long Alley, Lockyer's Pass or Berghofer's Pass. Hartley’s rural setting is welcoming and peaceful – perfect for a picnic or a satisfying stroll.

  • 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 village, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
  • The Postmistress Cafe and Store The Postmistress Cafe and Store is in Hartley Historic Village, midway between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. Oozing rustic charm, this quaint cafe is the perfect stopover when visiting Hartley.

The story of settlement

An aerial image of heritage settlement buildings at Hartley Historic Site. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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. Discover more interesting facts at the visitor centre or buy a ticket for a self-guided tour. Large groups can book in advance 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.
  • Former St Bernards Church Take a tour or arrange an event at Former St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.
  • 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 village, 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. 
  • The Postmistress Cafe and Store The Postmistress Cafe and Store is in Hartley Historic Village, midway between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. Oozing rustic charm, this quaint cafe is the perfect stopover when visiting Hartley.
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Education resources (1)

School excursions (1)