For those wondering
You might think you don’t know the Seven Valleys, but chances are you have seen it, driven through it, or heard stories from someone who has.
For history lovers
Spend a Day in Hartley Village
There aren't many places where history feels this tangible.
Just a short drive from Lithgow, Hartley Historic Village has remained remarkably unchanged since the 1830s. Sandstone buildings still line the old highway, the River Lett winds quietly through the valley, and walking tracks lead to lookouts once used by explorers, convicts and early settlers.
Spend a few hours here and you'll quickly realise Hartley isn't somewhere to rush. It's a place for wandering. For reading old stories on weathered stone walls. For stopping beneath old trees. For following quiet tracks that have connected people with this valley for nearly two centuries.
Here's how to spend the perfect day in Hartley.
Start at Hartley Historic Site
The best way to experience Hartley is on foot.
Dating back to 1837, the village is one of Australia's most complete colonial settlements. The sandstone courthouse, former inns, church and cottages tell the story of a town that once thrived along the Great Western Road before the railway shifted life elsewhere.
Take your time exploring the self-guided walking trail through the village. Step inside the courthouse, where convict graffiti remains etched into the original cells, wander through beautifully preserved St Bernard's Church, and imagine what daily life looked like when horse-drawn coaches regularly passed through town.
Be sure to stop by the Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre, housed inside the historic Farmers Inn. Alongside local information, it's home to the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Art Gallery, showcasing contemporary Aboriginal artists from Central West NSW.
Wander Along Rowson's River Walk
Just beyond the village, Rowson's River Walk follows the gentle curves of the River Lett.
The raised boardwalk passes through riverside vegetation where water dragons bask in the sun and birdlife fills the trees overhead. If you're patient and a little lucky, you may even spot one of the resident platypus gliding through the water during the quieter parts of the day.
Discover Talisman Gallery
One of Hartley's most unexpected experiences sits inside a historic woolshed.
Talisman Gallery blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art, where blacksmith Josh Lawson creates intricate metal sculptures inside a working forge. If the fire is burning, visitors can often watch sparks fly as new pieces are shaped by hand.
Inside the gallery you'll find handcrafted jewellery, striking stainless steel artworks, decorative pieces and unique gifts, all framed by sweeping views across Hartley Valley through the enormous barn doors.
It's worth lingering for a while, especially if the resident kangaroos happen to be grazing nearby.
Walk Lockyer's Road
If you're looking to stretch your legs, Lockyer's Road Walking Track offers one of the region's most fascinating short walks.
Originally constructed by convict labour in the early nineteenth century, the track formed part of one of the earliest routes into Hartley Vale. Nearly two centuries later, sections of the original stonework remain visible beneath your feet, offering a remarkable glimpse into Australia's colonial engineering.
Refuel Along the Way
Whether you're starting your day or winding down after exploring the village, Hartley has a few worthwhile food stops to add to the itinerary. Ease into the morning with a coffee and hearty breakfast at Hartley House Café, where country hospitality and fresh local flavours set the tone for the day ahead. Later on, gather around a table at Alchemy Woodfire Pizza for handcrafted pizzas served in a relaxed setting, perfect after a day spent wandering walking tracks and historic streets.
And before you hit the road, don't miss a stop at The Lolly Bug. Packed with nostalgic sweets, handmade fudge and old-fashioned treats, it's become something of a Seven Valleys tradition, and the perfect way to take a little taste of Hartley home with you.
Keep exploring
Guides & Itineraries
For history lovers
Walk through nearly 200 years of history in one of Australia's best-preserved colonial villages.
For the food lovers
From old-fashioned lolly shops to long lunches and local favourites
For a memorable escape
From romantic cottages and luxury retreats to family farm stays and peaceful escapes, there's a place here for every kind of getaway.
For coffee lovers
Our cafés are places where good food, friendly faces and a sense of calm come together. These are some of our favourite spots to settle in with a cup and enjoy the moment.
For the Curious Wanderers
Some walks take half an hour. Others take a full day. A few end in darkness, with thousands of tiny lights overhead. We have a track to suit every kind of wander.
For lake lovers
Each of our lakes reflect a different side of the region, from peaceful bushland settings to family friendly recreation areas and quiet fishing spots known only to those who seek them out.
For for green thumbs and those that wish they were
Tucked between escarpments, along quiet country roads and behind unassuming gates, the Seven Valleys is home to gardens that reward those who take the time to wander.
For River Seekers
Wild swimming in the Seven Valleys is not something most people come here specifically looking for. It is something you discover along the way.
For the adventurous
The Glow Worm Tunnel is one of the most memorable natural experiences in the Seven Valleys. Set within Wollemi National Park, this former railway tunnel shelters thousands of soft blue lights that cling to the damp stone walls.
Gardens of Stone
· 70 KM
· 1 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
For the History Lover
Vertical sandstone cliffs stand guard as you explore the crumbling, vegetation-covered Glen Davis Shale Oil Works structures.
For the Outlook Explorers
If you like your scenery served up without too much effort, the Seven Valleys delivers in spades.
For nature lovers
Towering sandstone pagodas, sheer cliffs, slot canyons and sweeping plateaus give the area a dramatic, sculptural feel. Welcome to Gardens of Stone.
For the explorer
The Bracey Lookout gives a 180° view of the Lithgow Valley, offering one of the best overviews of the city of Lithgow.
For nature lovers
Wolgan Valley is a place of wide horizons, deep stillness and long stories. The valley has been cared for by the Wiradjuri people for tens of thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt in the rock art that lines the sandstone shelters.
Wollemi National Park
· 26 KM
· 2 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
Seven Valley's
· 180 KM
· 3 days
A slow camping route through Seven Valleys’ most secluded bush camps.
For the railway enthusiasts
A heritage train ride just outside Lithgow that lets you hop aboard and watch bush, escarpments, and valleys roll by, without needing to be a rail expert to enjoy it.
For lake seekers
Each lake in the Seven Valleys offers its own way of spending a day, shaped by the land around it and the people who know it well.
For garden lovers
Celebrate spring as five spectacular private gardens open their gates for one unforgettable weekend
For the history lover
Built in the 1840's, Eskbank House and Museum showcases a fascinating historical collection of Lithgow's social and industrial heritage.
For the Sky Watchers
Once the sun drops behind the ridgelines, the noise fades, the air cools, and that 7V sky starts to do its thing.
For the Refined Retreaters
Our luxury stays are not about excess, but about quiet beauty, deep rest and experiences shaped by nature.
For the Eccentric Stay Seeker
Staying in the Seven Valleys often means something a little unexpected, with accommodation that reflects the landscape and rewards slowing down.
For the history lover
A heritage-listed 19th century village, Hartley has one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, including its 1837 courthouse.
For the Family Days
Play spaces across the region are practical and easy to use, giving kids freedom to run, climb and explore while the rest of the day unfolds around them.
