Hay

POW Internment Camp Interpretive Centre Housed in Hay's magnificent restored railway station, the centre documents the WW II internment in Hay of over 3000 prisoners of war. The first internees were known as the 'Dunera boys', Jewish intellectuals who had fled Germany and Austria. The camp established a garrison band and a newspaper and printed camp money. The Dunera boys even ran their own 'university', teaching subjects such as atomic research and classical Greek. The Dunera boys held a reunion in Hay in 1990 and there is a memorial on Showground Rd. Murray St; inquiries (02) 6993 4045.

Shear Outback Centre – The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame: interactive experiences and shearing deomonstrations with sheep dogs, historic Murray Downs Woolshed and exhibitions; Sturt Hwy; inquiries (02) 6993 4000. Witcombe Fountain: ornate drinking fountain presented to the people of Hay by mayor John Witcombe in 1883; Lachlan St. Coach house: features an 1886 Cobb & Co coach, which travelled the Deniliquin–Hay–Wilcannia route until 1901; Lachlan St. Hay Gaol Museum: contains memorabilia and photographs of the town, and the building's history from 1878 as a gaol, maternity hospital, hospital for the insane and POW compound; Church St; inquiries (02) 6993 4045. War Memorial High School Museum: built in recognition of those who served in WW I, with war memorabilia and an honour roll. The building still operates as a school, so call for opening times (02) 6993 1408; Pine St. Bishop's Lodge: restored 1888 iron house, now a museum and gallery with a unique and remarkable collection of heritage roses. Holds a market 3rd Sun in Oct. Open 2–4.30pm Mon–Sat; Cnr Roset St and Sturt Hwy. Ruberto's Winery: cellar-door tastings; Sturt Hwy. Hay Wetlands: especially spectacular in spring, the land is a breeding ground for over 60 inland bird species with a breeding island and tree plantation; north-western edge of town; brochure from visitor centre. Hay Park: pleasant picnic spot with a nature walk along the banks of the river; off Brunker St. Murrumbidgee River: excellent sandy river beaches and calm water, perfect for waterskiing, canoeing, swimming and picnics. Enjoy excellent freshwater fishing for Murray cod, yellow-belly perch and redfin. A licence is required; available from outlets in town, including visitor centre. Heritage walk and scenic drive: walk includes city structures built for the harsh outback such as the beautifully restored courthouse (1892) on Moppett St and the shire office (1877) on Lachlan St. The drive takes in the parklands, river and surrounding saltbush plains; brochure from visitor centre.

Booligal In an area known as the 'devil's claypan', this hot and dusty sheep- and cattle-town is mentioned in Banjo Paterson's poem Hay and Hell and Booligal. The poem says that a visit to Booligal is a fate worse than hell with topics of complaint including heat, flies, dust, rabbits, mosquitoes and snakes. On the plus side, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. It is off the beaten tourist track and there is a memorial to John Oxley, the first European in the area, in the shape of a giant theodolite (surveyor's tool). 78 km N. Halfway to Booligal, look out for the lonely ruins of One Tree Hotel.

Hay Weir: on the Murrumbidgee River, excellent for picnics, barbecues and Murray cod fishing; 12 km W. Sunset viewing area: the vast plains provide amazingly broad and spectacular sunsets; Booligal Rd; 16 km N. Maude Weir: surprisingly green and lush oasis, ideal for picnics and barbecues; 53 km W. Goonawarra Nature Reserve: no facilities for visitors, but the flood plains with river red gum forests and black box woodlands are still worth a visit – waterfowl in the billabongs, plenty of Murray cod in the Lachlan River and kangaroos and emus on the plains; 59 km N. Oxley: tiny town with river red gums and prolific wildlife (best seen at dusk); 87 km NW.

Balranald 98 km

The drive from the Monaro to Wagga Wagga and on to Balranald gives some idea of the Murrumbidgee’s length and also of how much a river can change over the course of its flow. Near Balranald, the river has been... Find out more

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Swan Hill 148 km

From Mulwala to Swan Hill there are excellent fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots along this stretch include Barmah, Echuca and the famous Torrumbarry Weir. The huge Murray cod mounted near the park in Swan... Find out more

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Tol Tol 182 km

I made my first serious Murray cod trip on the Murray River near Robinvale and for years was asked not to write about such a special stretch of river that produces a higher-than-average proportion of big cod. It... Find out more

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Robinvale 190 km

We trolled at little more than a fast walking pace, the electric motor giving off a light humming noise. Behind the boat, a couple of large bibbed lures were swimming deep, about a metre off the bottom, their action... Find out more

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Euston 193 km

Euston began as Boomiarcool Station in 1847, growing into a small township and subsequently a busy inland port, from which a fleet of paddlesteamers and barges transported the consignments of wool and wheat along the... Find out more

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Lake Mulwala 197 km

Lake Mulwala separates the Victorian and NSW towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala. It is a little over three hours’ drive from Melbourne and is popular with anglers seeking native fish such as Murray cod and... Find out more

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Boyanda 200 km

The red ochre cliff near the Boyanda grape farm is a popular launch site for anglers fishing the Murray River midway between Robinvale and the small horticultural town of Wemen. A track follows the river from Happy... Find out more

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Wagga Wagga 240 km

In my early teens I lived in Wagga Wagga for about three years and spent many hours fishing from a kayak on the Murrumbidgee and at Lake Albert. The river held excellent numbers of redfin, and they were of good size, so... Find out more

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Koala-spotting - Narrandera 159 km

Koalas have thrived at Narrandera since they were released in 1972. At Narrandera Nature Reserve you should be able to spot a few.... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Robinvale 190 km

Robinvale Wines, near Robinvale, produces a wide variety of wines, certified organic and biodynamic, with no chemicals used.... Find out more

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Indigenous tour - Shepparton 214 km

A free, short, bush-tucker tour is available from the Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton. You will need to book, but you can visit the centre on weekdays to see the wide range of artefacts from the area, and from... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Rutherglen region 226 km

The Rutherglen region in the far north of the state is renowned particularly for its fortified ports and muscats, perfect for a winter’s night. There are no organically certified wineries in the area, although... Find out more

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Birdwatching in Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands 240 km

Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands are Ramsar-listed, and among nearly 200 birds spotted here are brolgas, black-winged stilts and painted snipes. Fivebough has 5 kilometres of walking tracks, with bird hides along the... Find out more

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Cycling - Murray to the Mountains and High Country Rail Trails 246 km

With 100 kilometres of safe, sealed bitumen surface to pedal on, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail is the most developed rail trail in the state, and therefore very popular, with more than 40 000 people estimated to... Find out more

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Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort 147 km

What follows is one of the success stories of golf along the Murray River. Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station, the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort was constructed... Find out more

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Jolly Jumbuck Bistro

This is a popular, relaxed bistro with a huge menu filled with delicious options. There are at least six choices of steak available, but the most popular dish by far is their version of ‘surf and turf’,... Find out more

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William Bull Brewery 122 km

The high-profile, family-run De Bortoli Wines diversifying into craft beer has been one of the longest-running stories around. In the late 1990s they acquired a brewhouse that originally belonged to the ... Find out more

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Mildura Brewery 249 km

Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out more

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Nobles Beach camping area 96 km

Follow the signs in the state forest off Murrumbidgee River Rd to reach this camping area. Note: it’s dry-weather access only, so check road conditions before setting out. There are a number of water activities to... Find out more

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Beaumont Beach camping area 100 km

This is situated off Britts Rd in the state forest. Bring your own drinking water. Note: there's a fire ban from late in the year until Easter, so bring a gas/fuel stove for use during this time.... Find out more

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Swaggys Beach camping area 104 km

Unroll your own swag at this camping spot, 7 km west of Darlington Point via Willbriggie Forest Dr. Bring your own drinking water. ... Find out more

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Horries Beach camping area 104 km

Horries is 4 km west of Darlington Point via Willbriggie Forest Dr. Bring drinking water. ... Find out more

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Common Beach camping area 106 km

There are picnic tables and wood barbecues at this dry-weather-access only camping area next to Darlington Point township. It’s off King St. Bring your own water and firewood.... Find out more

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Bunyip Hole Reserve camping area 106 km

A simple camping spot by the river, this is dry-weather only access via King St from Darlington Point. There are toilets here. Bring drinking water.... Find out more

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Boomerang Beach camping area 109 km

You’ll keep coming back to this lovely little camping spot, 7 km east of Darlington Point off Black Box Rd. Bring your own drinking water, fishing tackle, canoe and waterskis. ... Find out more

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Lake Wyangan camping area 112 km

You’ll find barbecue facilities and an amenities block at this camping area on the shores of Lake Wyangan, 10 km north of Griffith via Wyangan Ave. Fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, waterskiing and sailing are... Find out more

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Cuba Beach camping area 115 km

You’ll find this spot 19 km east of Darlington Point via Cuba Forest Dr. Swimming, fishing and paddling are a few of the activities possible here on the Murrumbidgee River. Bring your own drinking water. Note:... Find out more

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Tims Beach camping area 118 km

Follow Cuba Forest Dr a little further past the turn-off for Cuba Beach, and you’ll find Tims Beach with much the same facilities and activities. Bring drinking water and gas/fuel stove Dec–Easter, when... Find out more

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Hay Plains Holiday Park 2 km

This is a well-presented park close to the junction of the Cobb and Sturt highways; both highways carry a large volume of tourist traffic. The park is an ideal base from which to explore the town of Hay and the... Find out more

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Hay Caravan Park 2 km

Located at the southern end of town, this park has large expanses of lawn and shady trees. Sites are very generous in size and access is particularly easy, making the park ideal for either an overnight stay or for longer... Find out more

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Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park 107 km

Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River under large, shady river red gums, this is an ideal place for an overnight stop or a few days watching the Murrumbidgee slip by. The park is busy at Easter and a slightly... Find out more

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Griffith Tourist Caravan Park 113 km

This owner-operated caravan park stands out because of its excellent facilities and the fact that it is a great base from which to explore the interesting Griffith area. It has a large number of ensuite sites and a... Find out more

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Balranald Caravan Park 118 km

This is a good, grassy park on the north bank of the Murrumbidgee River within easy walking distance of the town centre. The park, adjacent to the bridge at the east end of town, is easily accessible from the Sturt... Find out more

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Jerilderie Motel and Caravan Park 125 km

This neat and tidy, budget-priced park is located in Jerilderie’s main street. The park is an ideal overnight stop for travellers along the Newell Highway.... Find out more

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Hillston Caravan Park 130 km

This is a tidy park on the northern edge of town. The park has modern amenities and good facilities, though it can be very busy in the winter months during the peak tourist season. There is also a large influx of fruit... Find out more

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BIG4 Swan Hill 149 km

On the northern edge of town, this is a very good quality park that will satisfy the most fastidious traveller. The owner-operated establishment has a range of accommodation and good facilities including a six-hole golf... Find out more

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Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park 149 km

Within walking distance to the centre of town, and with large expanses of green lawn and a long frontage to the Murray River, this place boasts a heated pool, undercover barbecues and a well-stocked shop. Bookings are... Find out more

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Lake Boga Caravan Park 153 km

Squeezed between the Murray Valley Highway and the shores of Lake Boga, this is ideal for an overnight stop or a restful few days; sailing, water-skiing and swimming are popular activities. The park has good basic... Find out more

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Big 4 Hay Plains Holiday Park

This is a four-star oasis of holiday fun and budget accommodation close to Hay’s town centre. There are a variety of options to choose from. The most sophisticated are the self-contained two-bedroom holiday units... Find out more

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Saltbush Motor Inn

Saltbush Motor Inn is Hay’s newest motel. It offers quality bedding and fixtures in 19 ground-floor guest suites with kitchenettes, two spa units, a family unit and a three‑bedroom cottage. Free facilities include... Find out more

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the Bank

The Bank is a well-appointed B&B in the heart of Hay. The building dates back to 1891, when it was purpose built for the London Chartered Bank. The interior features cedar fittings and antique furnishings throughout,... Find out more

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Mungo Lodge 190 km

If you want a more up-market alternative, try Mungo Lodge, near Mungo National Park. Owned by Indigenous Business Australia, this has 16 recently refurbished units with ensuites, a windmill and solar panels that supply... Find out more

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Sandy Point Camp Area 1 km

West of Hay via Brunker Street Large camp area 1 kilometre west of Hay on the north side of the river. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 30.917 E144 50.150 ... Find out more

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Brandons Bend River Reserve Camp Area 3 km

3 km E of Hay (L) or 170 km W of Narrandera (R) Small secluded area located well off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 31.179 E144 51.917... Find out more

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Illilawa Camp Area 7 km

8 km NE of Hay (R) or 247 km SW of West Wyalong (L) Large secluded area about 700 metres off the highway, accessed via the truck parking bay. Good shade. NOTE: Access track unsealed. GPS: S34 30.182 E144 55.183 ... Find out more

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Nine Mile Camp Area 13 km

119 km E of Balranald (L) or 14 km W of Hay (R) Large secluded area well off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 32.948 E144 42.610... Find out more

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Pevensey Rest Area 28 km

104 km E of Balranald (R) or 29 km W of Hay (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 36.206 E144 33.979... Find out more

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Burrabogie Camp Area 29 km

31 km E of Hay (L) or 142 km W of Narrandera (R) Large secluded area located well off the highway in a shady riverside setting. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 29.788 E145 09.7181... Find out more

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Mulberrygong River Reserve Camp Area 36 km

37 km E of Hay (L) or 136 km W of Narrandera (R) Large secluded area located well off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 30.259 E145 14.195  ... Find out more

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Ravensworth Rest Area 52 km

78 km E of Balranald (L) or 55 km W of Hay (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 37.877 E144 17.727  ... Find out more

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Birdcage Camp Area 78 km

84 km E of Hay (L) or 89 km W of Narrandera (R) Large secluded area located well off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 31.221 E145 41.955... Find out more

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Birdcage Rest Area 79 km

85 km E of Hay (L) or 88 km W of Narrandera (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 31.436 E145 42.116... Find out more

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Goolgowi West Rest Area 97 km

108 km NE of Hay (L) or 147 km W of West Wyalong (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous small trees. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 59.397 E145 41.719... Find out more

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Willows Camp Area 103 km

T/O 25 km E of Balranald (R) or 108 km W of Hay (L) Large open area set in a natural bush environment 3 kilometres south of the highway in Yanga Conservation Park. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 45.656 E143... Find out more

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Darlington Point Camp Area 106 km

T/O into Darlington Point Numerous campsites located 5–6 kilometres north of the highway via King Street on the west side of town. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 33.748 E145 59.593... Find out more

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Yanga Creek Rest Area 117 km

9 km E of Balranald (R) or 124 km W of Hay (L) Large area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 42.007 E143 35.560 ... Find out more

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Junction Rest Area 119 km

5 km E of Balranald (R) or 128 km W of Hay (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 40.008 E143 33.777  ... Find out more

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Mamanga Camp Area 123 km

T/O 3 km E of Balranald (R) or 130 km W of Hay (L) Large secluded area in a natural scrub environment 7 kilometres south of the highway in Yanga National Park. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. Camp fees to apply in... Find out more

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Bundure Rest Area 129 km

38 km N of Jerilderie (L) or 71 km S of Narrandera (R) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 09.081 E146 00.68  ... Find out more

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Sandside Rest Area 136 km

56 km N of Jerilderie (R) or 53 km S of Narrandera (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 03.656 E146 09.796  ... Find out more

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Widgiewa Rest Area 137 km

59 km N of Jerilderie (R) or 50 km S of Narrandera (L)   Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 03.351 E146 10.719  ... Find out more

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Tongaboo Rest Area 138 km

8 km N of Finley (L) or 28 km S of Jerilderie (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 34.414 E145 36.923  ... Find out more

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John Oxley Rest Area 142 km

155 km E of Hay (L) or 100 km W of West Wyalong (R) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 52.331 E146 11.072... Find out more

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Finley Park Area 143 km

South side of town Small town park adjacent to the highway next to the museum. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 39.008 E145 34.373... Find out more

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