Things to do around Hartley, NSW

There’s some very interesting and adventurous things to do around Hartley, NSW. Both Hartley and Little Hartley, are well-preserved examples of colonial villages, at the edge of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Villages, where time seems to have slowed down, allowing visitors to step back into the 19th century. From the iconic Post Office Cafe, with it’s picket fence and aged rosemary bushes to the monumental Court House – an architectural wonder of it’s time, and holding stories from a bygone era of  bushrangers who roamed the Australian wilderness during the colonial period. The Hartley area was close proximity to key routes and hidden valleys, often a point of interest for outlaws like Ben Hall and Frank Gardiner.

You’ll gain an insight into life in the early pioneering days of Australian history – both now, secluded and serene. The ancient gnarled roots of trees that dot the area stand as silent witnesses to centuries of change. Nature reigns supreme here, with quiet corners ideal for inner wellness when you discover the Japanese Gardens and bathhouse, such a calming experience.

Explore the Blue Mountains and Scenic Drives
For adventure seekers, the Blue Mountains offer plenty to explore from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, with easy day trips to nearby towns like Oberon, Bathurst, and Mudgee. As well, scenic drives provide beautiful views and unique experiences.

Outdoor Activities and Historic Village Charm
Hartley’s walking trails are teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, expect to see some marauding kangaroos dotted throughout the bush. There is hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing as well if you’re looking for real adventure. For a more relaxed outing, visit the 19th-century historic village, with its charming cobblestone streets and heritage buildings and the main event -19 minutes away, is the spectacular Blue Mountains, offering even more adventures.

While Hartley is small, it offers a cosy escape, with a unique spot for those with a sweet tooth. This charming shop offers a delightful selection of nostalgic lollies and handmade treats. Whether you’re exploring nature or soaking up local history, Hartley has something for everyone.

Wellness & Pampering

• Blue Mountains Japanese Bath House
• Nevaeh Beauty
• Blackheath Fitness
• Marni Keato – Embodied Alternative & Holistic Health Service

Explore & Discover

• Bushwalks, climbing and hidden lookouts with the Mount York trails of the historic Lawson’s Long Alley, Cox’s Road and Lockyer’s Pass
• Mountain biking and trail riding networks can be found via Trail Forks
• Support local businesses in local cafes, galleries, farm gates and shops
• Talisman Gallery
• Gory’u Japanese Gardens & Maple Springs Nursery – 85 Baaners Ln, Little Hartley
• Hartley Historic Site
• Mt Vic Flicks
• Centennial Glen Stables – 448 Kanimbla Dr, Blackheath
• Gaze out from the highest scenic lookout in the Blue Mountains at Hasaans Walls
• Govett’s Leap
• Gang Gang Gallery
• Blackheath Golf Club
• Spend a great day at Zig Zag Railway, Lithgow (bookings make it so much easier)
• The Campbell Rhododendron Garden
• Blue Mountains Stargazing for night sky tours & events
• Blue Mountains National Park, Glenbrook

Good Eats 

• @thekingstablebathurst i.e. Kings Table Restaurant is located within the Kings Hotel is a family friendly eatery located at 60 George St, Bathurst NSW. Reviews boast wholesome meals, great service & food.
• Alchemy Pizza, Hartley
• Country Pubs at Blackheath, Tarana, Rydal & Oberon
• Have an unforgettable Blue Mountains Picnic
• Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens & Cafe
• Try this local neighbourhood bar and eatery – The Blue Fox Bistro, 277 Main St, Lithgow
• Sorenson’s Glasshouse & Gardens – restaurant on two acres of stunning gardens, established by Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen, and only 2km from Leura Mall. Check times on their website – 8 Herbert St, Leura
• The Tin Shed located – 69 Bridge St, Lithgow NSW
• Frankies Restaurant & Bar Lithgow – family operated Italian dine in and takeaway
• Anonymous Milkbar and Tapas – No School Like The Old School motto, specialising in simple, classic burgers, hotdogs, tacos, and old-school milkshakes. They are committed to providing you a great value meal with quality ingredients and fun atmosphere.
• Blackheath Bakery Patisserie
• Red Door Café, 134 Leura Mall – cosy vibe, delicious breakfasts, great house made salads and light lunches
• Fancy a sweet? You’ll love the The Lolly Bug!

Foodies

• Leura Gourmet Deli and Cafe – all sorts of gourmet goodies from pickles to jams, sweet treats, fresh juices, smoothies, puddings, six eyed scorpion chilli oils, coffee, platters, breaky and more! Located at 159 Leura Mall, Leura NSW 2780
• Blackheath Growers Markets – 2nd Sunday of each month
• Sincerely, Cake – one of the best cake shops in the Blue Mountains! Located at  10/195-196 Great Western Hwy, Hazelbrook NSW
• Leura First Sunday Markets
• Logan Brae Orchards – occupying the same land over 100 years ago. Logan Brea is a family run orchard and the only remaining orchard on the Shipley Plateau, located 5 minutes from Blackheath. Visit during apple season from March to June or picnic with views of the stunning Blue Mountains

Retail Escapes 

• Bilingarra – created by Wiradjuri artist Brett Groves, is the Bilingarra Indigenous Art and Culture in Bowenfels, – a hub for brilliant artworks, workshops and to see the beauty of Indigenous culture or browse the cultural space to retell the truth of our Indigenous history. The aim here is to create a sense of pride for all Australians into the future. Located at 1006 Great Western Hwy, Bowenfels
• Maharani Boutique – “A place for wonder, delight and down to earth luxury – like butterflies in a garden, fish in a crystal clear stream, like fireflies in a Balinese paddy field, we know you’ll love it!” This gorgeous boutique and couture goddess Eleanor (and divine helpers), emerged 12 years ago as the culmination of our lifetimes love of clothing, beauty, textures and travel. Organic, natural and ethical is preferred, offering a diverse range of Australian and European labels, jewellery and accessories lovingly selected from all over to bring you joy. Located at Shop 7, Strand Arcade,176-180 The Mall, Leura NSW 2780
• Teddy Sinclair – high quality, hand-crafted leather bags for men and women, beautiful accessories – grooming, jewellery and more. Located at 177 Leura Mall
• Leura Vintage – from the 1800’s through to the 60’s and beyond, this precious vintage store for men and women oozes plenty of stories and fun. There’s dresses, brooches, necklaces, earrings, vintage coats, hats, Hawaiian shirts, new records, cufflinks, gloves, scarves, sunglasses, home wares, barware and much more.
• Hazelbrook Cottage Antiques – this is a museum where everything is for sale! Located at 33 Railway Parade, Hazelbrook
• The Nook Craft Co Op –  a fabulous co-op in the main street of Leura showcasing the work of local artists, designers and artisans. You’ll be hard pressed to walk away with nothing – from hand made silk scarves, macrame plant hangers, pottery, silver trinkets, jams, crochet beauties etc as well as a high standard of fashion and homewares. Located at 133A Leura Mall
• Zoe Clare – offers curated collections for all sizing with timeless, classic and elegant pieces for the modern woman Certified Style Coach, Jen Whitehouse. Located in the heart of Leura
• Gifts On The Mall – If you love local, you’ll be in heaven. Be inspired for all occasions
• Megalong Books – an independent bookshop in Leura with a large selection of fiction and non-fiction and very popular children’s book section. They also carry books about the Blue Mountains including titles on its history, guides to bushwalks and local flora and fauna plus beautiful photographic books, among others
• My Friend Alice – offers a curated collection of popular styles in wool, cashmere, silk, linen and cotton. Their goal is to bring you practical wardrobe pieces that will make dressing easy and a pleasure. Our store stocks a full range of sizes 6 – 22. Located at 166 Leura Mall, Leura
• Moontree – Founded by Blue Mountains based artist, Kate Soady, her stunning work is available for sale in the gallery. Moontree is a “temple of light, filled with colour, candles, beautiful hand made gifts and unique homewares. The result is a feast for the senses and a creative haven of inspiration and shopping experience
• Dan The Fisherman – Owner Dan made the decision to start a small business offering more bargain priced lures and accessories focusing on freshwater species for both the entry level fisherman and experienced alike. Apple Tree Ln, Little Hartley – Ph 0413 808 502
• Katoomba Vintage Emporium – Two floors of vintage, retro and contemporary wares, antiques, furniture, clocks, lighting, homewares, gifts and so much more – 59 Katoomba St, Katoomba

If you think that Hartley sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.