Former St Bernards Church
Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Take a tour or arrange an event at Former 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
- Price
-
$8.80 for adults or $6.60 for concession (including students, seniors and pensioners). Children under 5 are free.
- Opening times
Former St Bernards Church is:
- Open for pre-booked tours.
- Please contact Hartley Historic Site on (02) 6355 2117 or email for further information.
- Hire this venue
Former St Bernards Church is available for events and function hire.
- Please note
- The church no longer functions as a Catholic church as of 1 November 2024.
- For tours, please book ahead on (02) 6355 2117.
The beautiful pale sandstone Former 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.
St Bernards remained the parish church until the mid-1880s when services transferred to Lithgow, but it hosted the occasional service until 1963. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. It's a well-preserved and pretty church that's well worth a look around. You can also take great photographs in the grounds for any occasion, even just a day trip.
Hire this venue or stay:
-
Former St Bernards Church
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Former St Bernards 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 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.
-
Old Trahlee
Old Trahlee is unavailable for bookings until further notice. This restored colonial cottage is located in Hartley Historic Site, at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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:
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- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (3)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Cycling (3)
- Environmental appreciation/study (3)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (6)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sightseeing (13)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (14)
- Waterfalls (7)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (3)