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St Bernards Church

Hartley Historic Site

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Overview

Take a tour or arrange a wedding at St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.

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

St Bernards Church is:

  • Open for pre-booked tours or Catholic services
  • Please contact Hartley Historic Site on (02) 6355 2117 or email for further information.
Hire this venue

St Bernards Church is available for events and function hire.

Please note
  • Catholic ceremonies are held at St Bernards with prior arrangement
  • Other denominations may hold services with the approval of the Parish Priest
  • For tours, please book ahead on (02) 6355 2117.

The beautiful pale sandstone St Bernards Church was built by local stonemason Alexander Binning, probably from a Gothic prototype. Before it was built, services had to be held in Hartley Courthouse, with the first priest arriving from Ireland in 1838. The stonework was completed in 1846, but the windows and altar came later.

The church was used continuously until 1963 and is still consecrated and in fine condition. Occasional services such as weddings and funerals are still held in the lovely old building and the Catholic Church retains the rights for its use. You can take a tour when it isn't in use for a service.

St Bernard’s is a well-preserved and very pretty church, and well worth a look around. You can also take great photographs in the grounds for any occasion, even just a day trip.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Hire this venue or stay:

  • The exterior of St Bernard's Church next to trees in Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

    St Bernard's Church

    Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, St Bernard's Church is the perfect wedding venue for history buffs, or for those just looking for a venue hire option with a uniquely historic flavour.

  • St Bernard's Presbytery, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    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.

  • Family on the porch at Old Trahlee. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    Old Trahlee

    Old Trahlee offers unique accommodation in a charmingly restored colonial cottage in Hartley Historic Site, at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

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General enquiries

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
  • Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790

Park info

See more visitor info