In its heyday between 1837 and 1887, Hartley was a major regional centre of administrative, judicial, police, religious, staging, hostelry, postal and social importance. But in 1877 the village was by-passed by the Main Western Railway, which resulted in economic stagnation and decline for the village. It enjoyed a brief economic revival in the early 20th century when it became a stopover point for car-tourers.
Today it plays an educational role as an example of a small settlement which reflects economic and social changes over 150 years. There is a low key visitor centre in the old Post Office and a basic interpretation program has been developed. Conservation works on the buildings are in progress with most stabilisation works completed. However, other landscape elements, particularly the exotic gardens and plantings, still require restoration.
Photo: Exterior of St Bernards Church, Hartley Historic Site / John Spencer/OEH
