Hartley Courthouse

Hartley Historic Site

Overview

2 people reading a pamphlet in front of Hartley Courthouse at Hartley Historic Site. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

A child dressed as a judge on the judges bench pretending to address visitors inside Hartley Courthouse. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

4 visitors inside an old jail cell looking at graffiti left by convicts on the cell walls inside Hartley Courthouse. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

2 adults and 3 kids watching a hologram re-enactment of the historic court process inside Hartley Courthouse. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

2 people reading a pamphlet inside Hartley Courthouse at Hartley Historic Site. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

A child dressed as a judge pretending to write with a feather quill with an adult at a desk inside Hartley Courthouse. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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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.

Type: Historic buildings/places
Where: 44 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: Self-guided tours are available between 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday, unless school tours are in session.

Call or email Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre for tour availability.
Bookings: Call or email Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to make a booking. Book in advance for large groups, school groups, or other pre-arranged visits.
Hire this venue: Hartley Courthouse is available for events and function hire.
Please note: To see inside the courthouse and church, you’ll need to buy a ticket for a self-guided tour.
Contact Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to check self-guided tour operating hours.
Book in advance for large groups, school groups or for other pre-arranged visits.
Tours may be unavailable if school excursions are in progress.
Visitors can see Hartley Courthouse from the outside at any time.

Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style. This imposing building was constructed of locally quarried sandstone in 1837 and remains largely intact.

You’ll feel immersed in its past with re-enactments of the court process through audio tracks and holograms. You can even step into a prison cell that kept many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves. Inside the cells, with their bars and bolts still in position, you can imagine the thoughts of men used to roaming the country locked up tight in this remote prison.

In 1887 the Hartley Court of Petty Sessions was officially closed. It was reserved for public recreation in 1914 and became a popular rest stop for people travelling to Jenolan Caves. Today the building stands as a reminder of the past and the development of the colony.

Hire this venue or stay:

Hartley Courthouse

Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Hartley Courthouse is the perfect 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.

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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.

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Hartley Courthouse

Hire this venue or stay: