Hay Gaol Museum

Our town's story

A diverse collection of artefacts showcasing the history of Hay is displayed in the buildings and ground of the old Hay Gaol.

The complex has had many uses since it was built in 1878: gaol, maternity hospital, lock hospital for the insane, Prisoner of War detention centre, Institute for Girls and now museum.

Exhibits include patchwork made by local quilter Marion Gibson, beer pumps used in Hay’s hotels, a Chinese rice grinding stone, and the original Hay Hospital operating table.

The Apex Park in the Gaol grounds is a great place for a picnic, and it has play equipment for the kids too.

The Gaol Museum is the hub of Hay’s stirring Australia Day celebrations, which start with a hearty breakfast and flag raising ceremony and end with a community dinner and presentation of the town’s citizenship awards.

Hay Gaol Museum
Church St, Hay
Open 9am to 5pm every day.
Entry is $2 and $1 concession
Phone (02) 6993 4045

Services available: wheelchair access, toilets, education programs, venue hire.