Former St Bernards Church

Attraction
Former St Bernards Church and churchyard, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer
Former St Bernards Church, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer
Former St Bernards Church aisle, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer
Former St Bernards Church altar, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer
Former St Bernards Church pulpit, Hartley Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer
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Park alerts

Hartley Historic Site

2 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 10:05 pm

  • Fire bansUntil 31 Mar 2027

    Park Fire Ban - Upper Mountains Reserves

    A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

    • They're under direct control of an adult
    • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
    • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

    If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

About

The beautiful pale sandstone Former St Bernards Church was built by local stonemason Alexander Binning, probably from a Gothic prototype. Before it was built, services had to be held in Hartley Courthouse, with the first priest arriving from Ireland in 1838. The stonework was completed in 1846, but the windows and altar came later.

St Bernards remained the parish church until the mid-1880s when services transferred to Lithgow, but it hosted the occasional service until 1963. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. It's a well-preserved and pretty church that's well worth a look around. You can also take great photographs in the grounds for any occasion, even just a day trip.

47 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 · Hartley Historic Site · Sydney and surrounds

Take a tour or arrange an event at Former St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.

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Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

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Get in touch

Hartley Visitor Centre

02 6355 2117hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au

Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790

Where you'll be

47 Old Great Western Highway

Hartley NSW 2790