Hartley Historic Site - NPWS
Hartley
Accommodation
Overview
Open Hours: Hartley Historic Site can be accessed at any time. Hartley Visitor Centre is open from: 10am-1pm, 1.30pm to 4pm. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Step into the open-air museum of Hartley Historic Site and trace the changing fortunes of Australia’s early inland settlement.
Description
This intact historical village dates back to 1837, when the Hartley Courthouse was built to oversee convicts paving the road westward over the Blue Mountains. The town thrived during the 1850s gold rush, becoming a staging post for travellers heading to the Bathurst goldfields. By 1877, however, Hartley had declined after being bypassed by the railway. It wasn’t until the rise of motor cars in the early 20th century that the village saw a revival, becoming a popular stop for tourists end route to Jenolan Caves.
Hartley is best explored on foot with a self-guided tour. Inside the courthouse, an audio-visual display brings the village’s history to life, while convict graffiti in the holding cells reveals the humour, anxiety, and hope of those awaiting trial. The beautifully preserved Former St Bernard’s Church, with its unexpected French influence, reflects the area’s Irish colonial roots and is now available for public hire. Also on offer is heritage accommodation at St Bernard’s Presbytery, along with unique venue hire options including the elegant Greek Revival courthouse.
Art and culture are celebrated at the Kew-Y-Ahn Gallery, named after the nearby Kew-Y-Ahn Tor—believed to be a traditional Aboriginal meeting place. The gallery features an exhibition of works for sale by contemporary Aboriginal artists from Central West NSW. Visitors can also follow the Sculpture Walk to the Talisman Gallery, where onsite artisan Josh Lawson handcrafts metal artworks.
Nature lovers can enjoy a shady stroll along the River Lett and may even spot a platypus. For refreshments, The Postmistress Café and Store serves barista-made coffee and home-cooked meals made from fresh, local produce. The café building was NSW’s eighth official post office. For a touch of nostalgia, browse a beautiful selection of antiques at Gold Rush Antiques and enjoy an immersive shopping experience.
The Hartley Visitor Centre, located in the colonial Farmers Inn, offers tickets for self-guided tours, access to the Kew-Y-Ahn Gallery, and a selection of gifts, drinks, and ice cream.
Map & Directions
45 Old Great Western Hwy, Hartley, NSW, 2790, Australia