Hay, New South Wales, is a small town basks in the golden glow of the outback summer sun. It is a community whose history is deeply intertwined with the iconic figure of the Australian shearer. Here, amidst the vast sheep stations and dusty plains, lies Shear Outback: a treasure trove dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of this vital industry.

Shear Outback isn't just a museum; it's a multi-faceted experience that throws open the gates to the fascinating world of Australian sheep shearing.

Bishop’s Lodge historic house in Hay, NSW is getting a $175,000 facelift, thanks to Hay Shire Council’s grant via the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

When Jim and Gail Quick drove up to the Homebush Hotel site eight months ago, Gail figured that this treechange would be something to which she would have to become accustomed. A week later, however, she knew she never wanted to leave. The couple are the managers of the pub.

Before Hollywood descended on the southern Riverina township of Hay, in NSW, to film part of ‘Mad Max Furiosa’ in 2022 the tiny township already boasted an impressive bio.

Movies such as ‘True love & Chaos,’ ‘Child Lost on Goolumbulla’ and ‘Charlie and Boots’ have been filmed at Hay, as well as the dark TV series ‘Mr Inbetween’, TV advertisements and Shannon Noll’s award winning film clip.

11 of best places to eat in Hay, NSW, as voted by the locals

Finding the best meals in any town requires a great deal of insider information – the best way to find out what is on offer is to ask a local!

The Riverine Grazier asked residents of the Riverina township of Hay where their favourite places to eat are, and which menu items are always at the top of the list.

“Hay is very spoilt for choice,” one local commented. “I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal at any of our local food outlets.”

Here are the very best meals in Hay, NSW right now.

Read on to learn more about Hay’s touching tribute for returned service men and women; the beautiful painted water towers, overlooking Sandy Point Reserve.

Looking for the best coffee spots in Hay, NSW? Read on!

Bishop’s Lodge Historic House in Hay, NSW is a remarkable iron building constructed in 1889 as the official residence for the Anglican Bishop of Riverina.

The house and its 19th-century garden are now maintained as a house museum by the Bishop’s Lodge Management Committee.

Owned by the Anglican Diocese until 1946, the Lodge was home to the first three bishops -Sydney Linton, Ernest Anderson, and Reginald Halse. Between 1935 and 1946 it also became the Linton House hostel for boys attending the Hay War Memorial High School. From 1946 until 1985 it was a private residence.

The town that went to war and a very unique memorial.

The Hay War Memorial High School Museum commemorates both Hay and district war service and the history of the school in this unique war memorial which has served the Hay community since 1923.

The Hay War Memorial High School was opened on Anzac Day in 1923 as the town's war memorial built to honour those volunteers who lost their lives while on active service during World War I. Of the 641 who served in World War I, 103 did not return. This impacted greatly on the Hay and district community, which had one of the highest enlistment rates for a small town in Australia.

Hay Tourism has launched the Visit Hay Ticket, enabling tourists to visit four of Hay’s museums with just the one ticket.

Image: Hay’s iconic Shear Outback - The Australian Shearer’s Hall of Fame.

Hay will soon be further escalated as a tourism destination with its very own Blue Plaque at Historic Bishop’s Lodge.