Overview
Situated on the picturesque Murrumbidgee River and surrounded by the vast, open grasslands of the One Tree Plains, Hay's history is rich with characters and tales of boom and bust- of isolation and innovation. Over centuries poets and artists have attempted to capture the spirit of the plains, but only a visit to Hay will give visitors the real experience-the unique landscape, the diversity of attractions, the richness of our cultural heritage and the warmth of true country hospitality.
Hay's political and social history has left a grand legacy of Australian architecture. Hay's heritage buildings reveal the ingenuity of early architects attempting to tame a harsh outback climate. Hay services a large pastoral area so you'll find the main street buzzing with activity.
History
The township of Hay began as Lang's Crossing, a crossing-place on the Murrumbidgee River for stock being driven south to markets in Victoria during the gold-rushes of the 1850s. The site was eventually surveyed in 1859 and Hay quickly developed as an important hub for the surrounding pastoral holdings, with their fat-stock and wool production.
During its earliest days Hay's economy was linked to the navigation by steam-boats of the Murrumbidgee, and it became an important river port. The town and district was also extensively serviced by horse and bullock waggons. In 1882 the railway was extended to Hay, linking the town directly with regions to the east, including Sydney.
Attractions
Bullockies and bishops, cooks and coachbuilders, shearers and shed hands, pastoralists and prisoners of war. Visit any of Hay's five museums and you're sure to meet some of the town's real characters, past and present. Characters like painter and preacher Bishop Ernest Anderson, Ah Mow the Chinese gardener, gun shearer Billy Garner, quilter Marion Gibson, or internment camp cartoonist Fred Schoenbach. Hay's museums can introduce you to some really remarkable people; see Gallipoli through the camera lens of a Hay soldier; glimpse the fairies that children imagined lived at the bottom of the Bishops Lodge garden; track Italian POW Colonel Simone's escape from the Hay Gaol; and witness the contribution that shearers have made to Australia's economy.
Striking images, intriguing exhibits, evocative sounds, and playful interactivity bring Hay's heritage to life. Fun, engaging, moving: each of the five museums offer a different experience. Together they tell the story of a town full of characters.
Hay's population makes full use of its 327 "fine days" a year and has a full calendar of special events covering the entire district.
Accommodation
Hay an accommodation style to suit everyone including motels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts and cottages or why not experience the real outback lifestyle at a farm stay?
For further information contact the Hay Visitor Centre on 02 6993 4045 or www.visithay.com.au
Visitor Information
- Hay Visitor Information Centre
- 407 Moppett St
- Hay NSW 2711
- Ph: 1300 30 70 90
- Fax: 02 6993 2069
- Email: haytouristcentre@bigpond.com
- www.visithay.com.au
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