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Lola — Image credit: The Lolly Bug

Shopping and Markets

The Lolly Bug

Sweeten your journey through the Blue Mountains with a visit to The Lolly Bug in Little Hartley – a family-favourite destination offering an unforgettable lolly shopping experience and plenty of colourful charm. Nestled just off the Great Western Highway, this vibrant, locally loved attraction offers over 2,000 types of products from Australia and around the world. It's the perfect stop for road-trippers, sweet-toothed explorers, and curious kids alike. Step into a kaleidoscope of confectionery, with an incredible range of lollies including sour treats, imported favourites, nostalgic classics, licorice, rock candy, chocolate, and quirky international novelties. We also carry a great range of gourmet foods and fun gifts. Outside, let the kids explore the safe and colourful playground, featuring the iconic Lolly Bug mural—a whimsical, candy-coloured VW Beetle perfect for fun photos. The area is spacious and ideal for families to stretch their legs. Savour a freshly brewed takeaway coffee and a slice of our decadent caramel slice or homemade fudge as you relax in the crisp country air.

Little Hartley NSW

0.2 km away

Kame-jima Turtle Island — Image credit: Alan Jackson

Parks and Gardens

Gory'u Japanese Garden

Experience a little piece of Japan in the picturesque Hartley Valley at the foothills of the Blue Mts. Gory'u garden is a Kaiyushiki teien stroll garden. This dry Karesansui landscape offers all the elements of a Japanese garden including : stunning views up to the escarpment and across lake Shoji surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens, a Shinto garden complete with Torii gate, numerous bridges, stone lanterns, shrines and pagodas, full moon bridge and dragon stream. The garden offers wonderful Japanese maples, flowering cherries, structured black pines and dwarf spruce representing the cedars of Japan. Group tours can be catered for by appointment.

Little Hartley NSW

0.7 km away

Maple Spring Nursery and Gory’u Japanese Gardens — Image credit: Maple Spring Nursery

Parks and Gardens

Maple Spring Nursery and Gory’u Japanese Gardens

At Maple Springs Nursery, they have over 250 varieties of Japanese Maples Conifers and Shrubs. Specialising in cold climate trees, with thousands to choose from. They also have a Japanese Garden in the making showcasing maple varieties and the various gardens on show in Japan including ponds, waterfalls, rockeries, stones, gravels and handmade bridges and islands. The site was obvious and evident that the possibility of creating a Japanese garden that had all the elements necessary. In existence was the water and borrowed scenery, and with the added vegetation, ornaments, stones, gravels, sands, ponds, streams, waterfalls, islands, bridges, hills, buildings, oaths, the dream and reality had begun. Gory'u is the Japanese name for confluence in English, which means where the waters meet or where two rivers converge; in this case, a lake of water meets a dry landscape lake converging to form one.

Little Hartley NSW

0.7 km away

the stunning bright colours in the garden at Highfields in late summer a magical time in the garden

Parks and Gardens

Highfield Gardens

This large, beautiful garden has gardens within the garden, The Dry Garden, Prairie Garden, Birch Grove, Rock garden/Water garden, The long border (AKA Barry Manilow border) and the single coloured flower borders, Peonies, roses and Iris are a big feature in Spring. The gardens also have many trees for a beautiful Autumn colour. The spectacular views looking back at the blue mountains are a real treat. Sit with a cup of coffee or tea and take in the views. There are also plants for sale that are grown from the gardens, so you can take home a piece of Highfield's. Picnics welcome. The gardens are suitable for all ages. Small children must be monitored at all times due to water features, but are most welcome. There is a treasure hunt for kids that is very popular! Highfield Gardens has captured the attention of the horticultural world, being included in the recent book by Claire Takacs, 'Australian Dreamscapes' and featuring on the front cover. The gardens have also been on Better Homes and Gardens TV and Gardening Australia. the garden has been featured in Gardening Australia, Country Style, Australian Country and in many other publications.

Little Hartley NSW

2.0 km away

Mount York

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mount York

Mount York, 7.5 kilometres from Mount Victoria is a natural site that at 1061 metres has commanding views over the western plains, many layers of Aboriginal and European heritage, several convict built roads (now walking tracks) and remnants of the old convict-built roads (1823-1829) can still be seen Monuments at the site demonstrate a change in architectural style and social means of commemorating historic events such as the first European crossing of the Blue Mountains, May 1813 by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, survey of the first road by George Evans, November 1813 and building of the first road, Cox's Road, in 1814. Further along, Mount York Road is historic convict-built Lawson's Long Alley and Lockyers Line of Road; Berghoffers Pass and Bardens Lookout. Mount York is traditionally the land of the Gundungurra and Darug Aboriginal people and today is popular for bushwalking, abseiling, mountains biking and rock climbing.

Mount York NSW

2.2 km away

Visitor and NPWS officer look at artworks at Kew Y Ahn Aboriginal Gallery at Hartley — Image credit: DCCEEW

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery

Kew-Y-Ahn is a gallery exhibiting the work of Aboriginal artists of Central West NSW, located at Hartley Historic Site east of Lithgow. Work by Aboriginal painters, weavers, designers, jewellers and photographers from across the NSW Central West. Lots of well-priced gifts through to major artworks. The project is a partnership between Arts OutWest and NSW National Parks.

Hartley NSW

2.7 km away

Mitchell's Ridge Lookout

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mitchells Ridge Lookout

Mitchells Ridge Lookout is a historic lookout and rest area, named after Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell who supervised the building of the Pass by convict labour in 1832. An obelisk at the lookout commemorates the opening of Victoria Pass in 1832 The Pass is one of the oldest and most significant engineered works in Australia still in use today. From the western end of the lookout, there is a good view of the convict-hewn and built sandstone rampart across the Pass.

Mount Victoria NSW

3.4 km away

Hartley Historic Site

National Parks and Reserves

Hartley Historic Site

Hartley Historic Site is surrounded by serene pastures and is great for a pit-stop or longer stay near the Blue Mountains. You can bring your dogs along as they're permitted in Hartley Historic Village but need to be on a lead at all times. Start at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to see photographs and displays of the village in its heyday. You can also grab a brochure to help you explore the significant historic buildings on site. Enjoy a coffee or tea in the heritage-listed building that's now The Postmistress Cafe and Store. Then visit Gold Rush Antiques in the old Corneys Garage, an antique shop built of timber and iron in 1945. Stretch your legs with a 30min return walk to a granite rock outcrop named Kew-Y-Ahn which holds great significance to the local Aboriginal community. With dreamy views over the valley and rolling hills it's a great spot for a picnic. For a longer stroll, take the Rowsons River Walk 1km loop. This elevated boardwalk follows the pretty River Lett to the remains of Rowsons Huts. Dip your toes in the river's cool waters before looping back to...

Hartley NSW

3.9 km away

Collits Inn homestead in Hartley Vale, Blue Mountains, for weddings, live music and private events — Image credit: Fiona and Bobby Photography

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Collits Inn

Collits Inn is a historic colonial inn set in the scenic Hartley Valley of New South Wales. Established in 1823 by former convict Pierce Collits, it originally served travellers crossing the Blue Mountains on their journey to Bathurst. Built mainly from timber slabs and weatherboard, the inn reflects the simple, practical style of early Australian settlement. Today, Collits Inn operates primarily as a wedding and events venue, offering a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty. Its expansive grounds and peaceful rural setting make it a popular destination for celebrations and private functions. In addition, the site hosts regular public open days, where visitors can enjoy live music, local food, and a relaxed country atmosphere. These events provide an opportunity to experience the property's history while enjoying its vibrant, community-focused environment, making it both a cultural landmark and a lively attraction.

Hartley Vale NSW

3.9 km away

Former St Bernards Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Former St Bernards Church

The beautiful pale sandstone Former St Bernards Church was built by local stonemason Alexander Binning, probably from a Gothic prototype. Before it was built, services had to be held in Hartley Courthouse, with the first priest arriving from Ireland in 1838. The stonework was completed in 1846, but the windows and altar came later. St Bernards remained the parish church until the mid-1880s when services transferred to Lithgow, but it hosted the occasional service until 1963. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. It's a well-preserved and pretty church that's well worth a look around. You can also take great photographs in the grounds for any occasion, even just a day trip.

Hartley NSW

4.0 km away

Gold Rush Antiques

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Gold Rush Antiques

A great daytrip from Blackheath or Lithgow, Gold Rush Antiques is rich with rustic village charm, and offers a unique shopping experience. Built in the 1940s, this unique building is a beautifully restored mechanics garage that offers an authentic taste of a bygone era. Conveniently located in the centre of Hartley Historic Site, you'll be well-placed to enjoy the surrounding attractions. Across the road you can visit Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to discover the town's past with a self-guided tour. Or purchase locally made art from the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery.

Hartley NSW

4.0 km away

Hartley Courthouse

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Hartley Courthouse

Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style. This imposing building was constructed of locally quarried sandstone in 1837 and remains largely intact. You'll feel immersed in its past with re-enactments of the court process through audio tracks and holograms. You can even step into a prison cell that kept many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves. Inside the cells, with their bars and bolts still in position, you can imagine the thoughts of men used to roaming the country locked up tight in this remote prison. In 1887 the Hartley Court of Petty Sessions was officially closed. It was reserved for public recreation in 1914 and became a popular rest stop for people travelling to Jenolan Caves. Today the building stands as a reminder of the past and the development of the colony.

Hartley NSW

4.0 km away

Hartley Vale — Image credit: Hartley Vale

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Lockyers Road Walking Track

Lockyers Road Walking Track is one of the most historic walking tracks in the Blue Mountains. The track is one of the original 'roads' used to descend into Hartley Vale. Hand built by convicts, remnants of their hard work can still be seen all along the track. This dog friendly track has beautiful views over the Hartley Valley and spectacular birdlife.

Hartley Vale NSW

4.4 km away

Mount Victoria Museum exterior — Image credit: Tim K Jones

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mount Victoria Museum

The Mount Victoria Museum has sixteen rooms, large and small, housing an eclectic collection of artefacts from Australia and exotic shores beyond. From prehistoric times to early exploration, convict days to more recent times, the collection is multifaceted. Early farming tools and dairy utensils, natural history, laundry and kitchenware, the local mining industry, early photographic equipment and musical instruments. Furniture and fashion are also on view, and The Railway Refreshment Room (RRR) tableware is on display, as well as a schoolroom and clothing from the 19th century. Don't miss the technology room nor the Papua New Guinean dioramas. Dioramas and many amazing natural history items were bequeathed to the Society by Mel Ward (Charles Melbourne Ward), actor, naturalist and marine collector, 1903-1966. His Gallery of Natural History and Native Art was based in a long, narrow fibro building at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath. Local history publications and souvenirs are available for purchase. The grand 1868 sandstone railway station (still in use), in which the collection is housed, is in itself worth a visit as a reminder of the days of steam train travel. There is something of interest for everyone.

Mount Victoria NSW

5.1 km away

Visit our studio shop at the top of the Blue Mountains — Image credit: Mount Vic and Me

Shopping and Markets

Mount Vic and Me

Come visit this fabulous and quirky shop at the top of the Blue Mountains. It features a unique range of tea towels, greeting cards, craft items, socks, workshops, fabrics on the highway in Mount Victoria. The studio shop also hosts workshops and more casual 'Stitch Queens' which is a great place to try slow stitching using recycled, vintage and upcycled fabrics and more.

Mount Victoria NSW

5.1 km away

Mount Vic Flicks is a much loved and treasured icon of the upper Blue Mountains.

Entertainment Venues

Mount Vic Flicks

Mount Vic Flicks is a family-run independent cinema located in the heritage-listed Blue Mountains village of Mount Victoria. Built in 1934, the cinema is a window into the golden age of Australian country picture theatre culture. Screening only the best new and classic films from Australia and abroad, including arthouse, 3D and kids' movies, the cinema makes for a fun, one-of-a-kind outing for families and film buffs alike. From the cosy heritage building to the homemade choc-tops and freshly baked treats, the Mount Vic Flicks experience is as memorable as the movies themselves.

Mount Victoria NSW

5.2 km away

Mount Piddington Lookout

Natural Attractions

Mount Piddington Lookout

Mount Piddington is a mountain located 1.5 kilometres south of the Blue Mountains village of Mount Victoria. The Mount Piddington Lookout is on the southern section of Mount Piddington. There are restrooms and a picnic area at its summit, surrounded by a loop road, Mount Piddington Road, which runs from the summit to Mount Victoria village. It is also the starting point of several bushwalking tracks that descend to the cliffs of Hornes Point and the Fairy Bower reserve. Notable sites on the slopes of Mount Piddington include Coxs Leap and Bushranger Cave. Views of the Kanimbla Valley are possible from the lookout, although trees are present and are not entirely clear. The mountain is mostly covered in the bushland of the Eucalypt variety and adjoins One Tree Hill (1,111 metres) the highest point in the Blue Mountains Plateau.

Mount Victoria NSW

5.8 km away

Hassans Walls Reserve — Image credit: Vicki Curry

Natural Attractions

Hassans Walls Reserve

The reserve covers an area of over 780 hectares and reaches an elevation of 1136 metres above sea level. This is where you will find the highest official Scenic Lookout in the Seven Valleys looking over the Blue Mountains - with expansive views from Mt. Tomah to Mt. Lambie. The Wiradjuri name for the area is Gnallwarra. Walk or drive to Bracey Lookout and keep your eyes open for over 60 varieties of native orchids and other beautiful wildflowers. You may see the rare purple copper butterfly, lyrebirds, and maybe even a koala. Spectacular cliff lines, pagoda rock formations and cool fern filled gullies make up the reserve - a great place to picnic, walk or bike ride.

Hassans Walls NSW

8.2 km away

Sir Joseph Cook Boardwalk - Hassans Walls

Natural Attractions

Hassans Walls Lookout

Hassans Walls Lookout is the highest scenic lookout in the Blue Mountains at approximately 1,100 metres above sea level. Look out to Mount Wilson, Mount York, Mount Tarana and Mount Blaxland and the whole Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong Valleys and Mount Bindo (1,363 metres).

Lithgow NSW

8.4 km away

Mount Blackheath Lookout

Natural Attractions

Mount Blackheath Lookout

Travel along Shipley Plateau through a mix of bush (spot the waratahs in Spring), small farms and orchards - at the end you will reach Mount Blackheath Lookout with views to the north and west to the Great Dividing Range over the Kanimbla Valley. At 1,076 metres, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down after a strenuous bike ride, or when the weather is right, you might be fortunate to see colourful hang gliders and parasails riding the thermals after launching from this popular site. There are dirt sections along Shipley Plateau.

Blackheath NSW

8.8 km away

Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) cycle trail

Natural Attractions

Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) cycle trail

For an awe-inspiring ride to the edge of the magnificent Grose Wilderness, Burramoko cycle trail leads along a ridge to a dramatic rocky bluff. A trail of medium difficulty, it’s an ideal nature day trip in Blue Mountains National Park, near Blackheath. With scenic valley views and crisp mountain air, it’s a sublime ride for adventurous cyclists and bushwalkers. Meandering through heathlands and open forests, look for the distinctive grass trees, with creamy coloured flowers in the spring. Ending at Baltzers lookout, also known as Hanging Rock, you’ll feel on top of the world as you gaze across the scenic tree-lined gorge fringed by golden cliffs. With all that crisp mountain air and exercise, enjoy a picnic lunch with million dollar views. If you love the thrill of cycling check out Mount Banks road cycling route.

Blackheath NSW

9.5 km away

Centennial Glen

Natural Attractions

Centennial Glen

Centennial Glen is the headwaters of Centennial Glen Creek. Centennial was the name used in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of NSW (1788-1888). Centennial Glen is a cool Glen with small waterfalls, ferns and impressive sandstone overhangs and provides excellent views of Kanimbla Valley. The Glen is also a popular site for rock climbers. The Centennial Glen/Porters Pass circuit walk takes about three hours, and has some steep sections and can be damp underfoot so care should be taken

Blackheath NSW

9.7 km away

Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath are an approximate two-hour drive, 120 kilometres west of Sydney. You'll find a unique display of exotic rhododendrons, azaleas, maples and deciduous trees, planted amongst Australian native eucalypts and bushland, covering 18.3 hectares (45 acres). Open all year round, the Gardens are especially spectacular from late September to mid-November when the magnificent blossoms range from pinks to yellows to purples. Through April, the autumn colours are glorious, and later, the bare branches create sculptural patterns against the native shrubs. The Lodge Rhodo Tea Room is open for six weeks during the peak season (October /November), serving the best 'Aussie Cream Teas' in the Blue Mountains and selling unique Rhodo souvenirs. Our other major event is the Gnome Convention, held every year on Easter Saturday and Sunday, which showcases around 2,500 gnomes as well as family activities. Allow an hour to stroll the easy walking tracks, or take your picnic basket and rug down to the valley and enjoy this gem of the Blue Mountains. Dogs are allowed on leads. And if walking is a problem, there is an accessible lookout near the Lodge. The Gardens are off the Great Western Highway and within walking distance from the railway station. The Gardens are managed entirely by Volunteers who depend on your generosity to maintain these Gardens.

Blackheath NSW

9.8 km away

Bracey Lookout — Image credit: Lithgow City Council

Natural Attractions

Bracey Lookout

Bracey Lookout gives a 180° view of the Lithgow Valley, offering one of the best overviews of the city of Lithgow. There are picnic tables and viewing platform giving panoramic views of the Blast Furnace Park area and the rolling hills that surround Lithgow. The lookout was first developed and constructed by John Bracey and a group of volunteers in 1953.

Lithgow NSW

10 km away

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