Overview
Stop by Talisman Gallery at Hartley Historic Site between Lithgow and Mount Victoria. Browse a selection of unique metal art and get a close look at the on-site blacksmithing workshop.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Where
- 53 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 - in Hartley Historic Site in Sydney and surrounds
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Opening times
Friday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm, Closed Christmas Day.
- What to
bring - Drinking water
Talisman Gallery sits inside the historic woolshed at Hartley Historic Site. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, it’s a great stop on your way to or from Jenolan Caves.
The blacksmithing workshop is on display at the front of the gallery. If you’re lucky, you’ll see owner and blacksmith Josh Lawson crafting metal artworks in the fiery heart of the forge.
After exploring the workshop, you can browse unique metal creations available for purchase. You’ll also find signature ‘galaxy’ effect stainless steel and glass artworks, jewellery and many more handmade pieces.
The large woolshed doors are a gateway to sensational views over Hartley Valley, and the Kew-Y-Ahn granite tor. If you're in the area at dawn or dusk, look out for kangaroos that gather in surrounding fields. The area outside the gallery is home to diverse birdlife including king parrots, galahs, magpies, sulphur crested cockatoos and superb fairy wrens. You might even spot a large family of Cunninghams skinks, often seen sunbathing in the sunny patches of the workshop.
Although open all year, autumn and winter are great seasons to experience misty mornings and the fresh, crisp air of the Blue Mountains area. Extend your visit with a calming meander along Rowsons River walk. Or check out the nearby Hartley Visitor Centre to explore the historic village on a self-guided tour.
Also see
Map
Map legend
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/talisman-gallery/local-alerts
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Talisman Gallery.
Getting there and parking
From Mt Victoria:
- Travel west along the Great Western Highway.
- Turn left into the village 4km after Little Hartley.
- Talisman Gallery is located up the driveway on the right of Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre.
The road to enter Hartley Historic Site is sealed. You will need to drive on a gravel driveway to access the gallery.
Road quality
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at the front of the gallery, including access for a bus that seats up to 20 passengers.
Facilities
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Pets
Dogs on leash are permitted on-site but not in the gallery.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Gathering firewood
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
Learn more
Talisman Gallery is in Hartley Historic Site. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal meeting place
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
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.
- Gold Rush Antiques Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Gold Rush Antiques. 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
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.
- 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.
- Gold Rush Antiques Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Gold Rush Antiques. 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 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.