Hartley Historic Site

Once a busy goldrush town, this well-preserved 19th-century village sits on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Its famous courthouse was built in the 1830s and was in operation for over 50 years. Absconding convicts, petty thieves, highway robbers, and the drunk and disorderly all came before the magistracy here.

The village is set amongst pastures, orchards, native vegetation and the remnants of 19th and 20th century cottage gardens. It was reserved as a historic site for the protection of a substantial and well-preserved remnant of one of the first rural settlements west of the Blue Mountains, one which played an essential role in the development of inland Australia.

Hartley is a popular place for picnics and day tours-guided tours are available, ask for details at the information centre. Tours for groups larger than 20 must be booked in advance, and staff can prepare special tours for school and interest groups given sufficient notice.