Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Grecian Revival style. Still largely intact and constructed solidly of locally quarried sandstone, it’s an imposing building, as it was designed to be, and provides an impressive backdrop to any wedding or special event.

The building’s 3 doorways provided entrances for prisoners, the public and magistrates, and today, visitors can explore the cellblock that housed prisoners and convicts. Many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves were kept here inside these cells, with their bars and bolts still in position. You can just imagine the thoughts of men that were once used to roaming the country being locked up tight in this remote prison.

As the convict system faded into history, and Hartley was bypassed by the new railway, the need for a courthouse here diminished. Benefits were held in this grand old building during World War II, and nowadays you and your guests can wander through this historic building, celebrating your special day while contemplating Australia’s vivid colonial past.