The courthouse was built in 1837 and was designed by prominent New South Wales Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis.

Although Hartley fell into disuse, it survived as a perfectly preserved village that is a superb example of 19th century architecture.

Because of its heritage value, it is now preserved as a historic site, administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales.

The Hartley Historic Site, an area of 7.7 hectares (19 acres), is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

[6][7] There is also a network of historic walking tracks between Hartley Vale and Mount York, administered by the Lands Department of New South Wales.