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Hartley Historic Site: A Journey into Australia's Colonial Past

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Discover Australia's colonial past in a remarkably preserved 19th-century village at the foot of the Blue Mountains. A historic treasure!

Step back in time at Hartley Historic Site, a remarkably preserved 19th-century village nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Explore original sandstone buildings, wander through pastoral landscapes, and uncover the stories of convicts, settlers, and bushrangers who shaped inland Australia.

A brief summary to Hartley Historic Site

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hartley Historic Site.

  • Visit the Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre, housed in the colonial Farmers Inn, to purchase tickets for self-guided tours and gather information about the site's history.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village and walking along the river or up to Kew-Y-Ahn Tor.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the serene pastures and cottage gardens surrounding the village.
  • Check the schedule for special events and tours, including school excursions, which may affect access to certain buildings.
  • Dogs are permitted in Hartley Historic Site, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Hartley Historic Site is located directly off the Great Western Highway. From Lithgow, travel southeast on the Great Western Highway for approximately 15 kilometers. Turn right into Old Bathurst Road to enter the village. Parking is available on a gravel surface near the Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season or special events.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to Hartley Historic Site, several bus lines stop near Hartley Historic Village in South Bowenfels, approximately 5km away. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to complete the journey to the site. Bus lines include 100, 200 and S368. A taxi or rideshare from South Bowenfels to Hartley Historic Site would cost approximately $20 - $30 AUD.

Discover more about Hartley Historic Site

Hartley Historic Site offers a captivating glimpse into Australia's colonial heritage. Established in the 1830s, the village thrived as an important administrative and judicial center, serving the burgeoning settlements west of the Blue Mountains. Today, Hartley stands as an open-air museum, showcasing an impressive collection of sandstone buildings dating from 1837 to 1945. Explore the meticulously preserved Hartley Courthouse, a Greek Revival masterpiece where you can witness reenactments of historical trials and step inside the original holding cells, complete with convict graffiti. Visit St. Bernard's Church, reflecting a surprising French influence in this early Irish colony. Wander through the Farmers Inn, now home to the Hartley Visitor Centre and the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery, showcasing contemporary Aboriginal art. Take a stroll along the picturesque River Lett, keeping an eye out for platypus, or venture up to Kew-Y-Ahn Tor for panoramic views of the valley. Discover Gold Rush Antiques in Corney's Garage, a charming timber and iron structure built in 1945. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene natural surroundings, Hartley Historic Site promises an unforgettable journey into Australia's past.

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