Talisman Gallery
Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Stop by Talisman Gallery at Hartley Historic Site between Lithgow and Mount Victoria. You can browse a selection of unique metal art and silver jewellery by local artisan blacksmith Ron Fitzpatrick.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Where
- 53 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 - in Hartley Historic Site in Sydney and surrounds
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Opening times
Visit the Talisman Gallery website
- What to
bring - Drinking water
Talisman Gallery sits inside the historic woolshed in Hartley Historic Site. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, it’s a great stop-off on your way to or from Jenolan Caves.
You can purchase sculptures and unique silver jewellery. Some pieces are made by Ron himself and reflect his personal interest in opal.
Ron is often blacksmithing in the rustic workshop, so you might enjoy a first-hand encounter of an artisan at work. Ron expresses his meditation and spiritual experiences through his artworks, evoking a real sense of calm and serenity.
The large woolshed doors are a gateway to sensational views over Hartley Valley, and the Kew-Y-Ahn granite tor. Take a stroll along Sculpture walk down to the start of Kew-Y-Ahn Bells Rock Heritage walking track, and enjoy scenic views of majestic granite boulders.
If you're in the area at dawn or dusk, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos that gather in surrounding fields. The area outside the gallery is home to diverse birdlife including king parrots, galahs, magpies, sulphur crested cockatoos and superb fairy wrens.
You might even spot a large family of cunningham’s skinks, often seen sunbathing in the sunny patches of the workshop.
Although open all year, visit in winter for your chance to see snow. It’s a great season to experience misty mornings and the fresh, crisp air of the Blue Mountains area.
Extend your visit with a calming meander through Rowsons River walk. Or, check out the nearby Hartley Visitor Centre to explore the historic village on a self-guided tour.
Also see
-
Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre
Stop in at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to find out about the history of the buildings and town, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/talisman-gallery/local-alerts
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Talisman Gallery.
Getting there and parking
From Mt Victoria:
- Travel west along the Great Western Highway.
- Turn left into the village 4km after Little Hartley.
- Talisman Gallery is located up the driveway on the right of Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre.
The road to enter Hartley Historic Site is sealed. You will need to drive on a gravel driveway to access the gallery.
Road quality
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at the front of the gallery, including access for a bus that seats up to 20 passengers.
Facilities
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Pets
Dogs on leash are permitted on-site but not in the gallery.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Gathering firewood
Visitor centre
-
Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre
Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790 - 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 02 6355 2117
Learn more
Talisman Gallery is in Hartley Historic Site. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal meeting place
Hartley was once a meeting place for the Wiradjuri from the west and Gundungurra tribes from the east. In colonial times, Hartley Courthouse served as a mustering point for Aboriginal people.
Excellent bushwalking on historic roads
The Hartley area is great for bushwalking along the early roads. After your visit to the village, you may like to set out on Lawson's Long Alley, Lockyer's Pass or Berghofer's Pass. Check out the Lithgow Town and Around website for details. The rural setting of Hartley is welcoming and peaceful – perfect for a picnic or a satisfying stroll. Explore the interesting remnants of heritage plantings surrounding the buildings in the village and keep an eye out for the many birds that thrive amid the gardens and native forest.
- Corneys Garage Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Corneys Garage. Browse through a beautiful selection of antiques, while enjoying an immersive shopping experience near Lithgow.
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre Stop in at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to find out about the history of the buildings and town, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
The story of settlement
This exceptionally well-maintained village is of national historical significance as a substantial early nineteenth-century settlement. It tells modern visitors a great deal about the expansion of European development in inland Australia and the beautiful old buildings illustrate the changing role and fortunes of Hartley from first settlement of the inland to the beginning of the motor transport era. You can find out all sorts of interesting facts at the visitor centre and educational groups can book tours with advance notice on (02) 6355 2117.
- Corneys Garage Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Corneys Garage. Browse through a beautiful selection of antiques, while enjoying an immersive shopping experience near Lithgow.
- Hartley Courthouse 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.
- Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre Stop in at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to find out about the history of the buildings and town, book tours, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
- Hartley historical tour On this interactive Stage 3 (Years 5-6) History excursion, students visit key sites in the Hartley Historic Site colonial village: the courthouse, the gaol and St Bernards Church. They'll explore the history of how this key colony developed and take part in fun re-enactments with our Discovery Rangers.
- St Bernards Church Take a tour or arrange a wedding at St Bernards Church in Hartley, a lovingly preserved example of colonial sandstone architecture.