Hay: River Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Hay offers a range of reasons to get to know the town: the Murrumbidgee River, walking trails and wildlife viewing, distinctive architecture, and museums devoted to regional history and work. To plan your trip, you could start by thinking about what interests you most: spending time by the river, the history of shearing, or Hay as part of a longer touring route. The following destinations provide some specific points of reference.

River trails, beach and nature in Hay

The paved Bidgee Riverside Trail follows the bends of the Murrumbidgee River through Bushy Bend Reserve to Sandy Point Beach. Its route combines a riverside walk with a clear destination. Sandy Point Beach offers opportunities for swimming and fishing. The trail and activities on the water can therefore be considered as separate highlights: the trail describes the route, while swimming and fishing are the focus at the beach.

A regional park in South Hay offers another perspective on nature. It features a nature walk along the Murrumbidgee River and opportunities to observe wildlife. In contrast to the Bidgee Riverside Trail, which leads to Sandy Point Beach, the focus here is on experiencing nature and observing wildlife. Both places are connected by the river, but the activities described for each are different.

If you would like to explore Hay by bicycle, you can ask at the Hay Visitor Centre: the centre offers visitors bicycles to borrow free of charge. As availability may change, it is advisable to check before your visit. The bicycle option adds another way to explore the surrounding area at your own pace, alongside walking.

Architecture and the history of shearing

Bishop's Lodge is an unusual iron house dating from 1888, designed by architect John Sulman. The building is surrounded by a historic garden with a remarkable collection of historic roses. The house and garden offer different points of interest: one is an example of architectural history, while the other showcases historic garden design. Those interested in architecture and cultural heritage will find a different perspective here than on the river trails.

At Shear Outback, visitors can learn about the living and working conditions of the people who shaped the shearing industry. The museum covers both the history of shearing and future technologies. Visitors can also experience the working environment firsthand: they can meet the shearer and take in the sights and sounds of an operating wool-shearing shed. The visit thus combines historical topics with a vivid depiction of the work and its technological development.

The Hay War Memorial High School Museum offers another historical perspective. It tells the story of Hay and the surrounding district's military service, from the Boer War to the present day. Unlike the focus on shearing and industry, this museum centres on the region's military service. Together, the two museums showcase different chapters in the history of the town and district.

Hay along a touring route

The Long Paddock is a 610-kilometre touring route along the Cobb Highway that passes through Hay, among other places. While the Murrumbidgee walking trails and museums offer ways to explore specific natural and cultural aspects of the town, the route places Hay in a wider touring context. The length refers to the entire route; Hay is one of the places it passes through. This context may be relevant when choosing a hotel in Hay if you are considering the town as part of your trip.

Tailor your search to what you have in mind for your stay: the river and nature, architecture and regional history, or Hay's place along a touring route all appeal to different interests. This can help you match hotel options in Hay to the purpose of your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Hay Shire Council.