When most people visit the Blue Mountains, they usually head straight to the tourist towns of Katoomba and Leura, and for good reason. But, on the most westerly side of the mountains lies the little town of Hartley. Located just off the highway is the Hartley Historic Site, home to a fascinating collection of in-tact buildings, constructed by convicts and in the style of various architectural periods, over the years. People can visit the site, and engage in self- guided tours for free and, for a small nominal fee, visitors can also enter the old courthouse (where there is an informative hologram display and even original convict graffiti on the walls) as well as the Presbyterian church. There is a café, and two types of accommodation on-site, as well as the Kew-Y-Ahn Gallery, featuring indigenous art from the region.
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Also located on the Hartley Historic Site is The Talisman Gallery, where Fitzpatrick brings to life his incredible artworks, using metal and precious stones. Visitors to the gallery can meet Ron and even get ‘hands-on’ by joining one of his metal art, and blacksmithing, workshops.
Just down the road from Hartley is the Ambermere Inn, in Little Hartley, where horse and cart travellers- back in the late eighteen hundred’s- would swing by for food and drink. The Inn today has been lovingly, and stylishly refurbed by the current owners, to include a bar and restaurant. The menu is as local as possible, with much of the produce sourced from the owner’s farm.
Should you be looking to stay somewhere special, close-by, look no further than Closeburn House. Another loving restoration by the owner has resulted in a stunning guesthouse. Consisting of eight guest suites, the rooms all feature various hues, found in the mountains, as well as high-end linen and locally produced Ikou products. There are many communal spaces, and places, to relax and unwind in the house, and a fine art collection adorns the walls. Breakfast is served, in the dining room, and should you fancy a pre or post drink tipple, there’s also a bar.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ambermere Inn
@ambermereinn
(02) 6355 2266
ambermereroseinn.com.au
Closeburn House
@closeburn_house
(02) 4787 1555
closeburnhouse.com.au
