Explores one of the most fascinating stories in Australian history – a story that stretches from WW2 to modern-day Australia. From the capitals of Europe to the vast flatness of the Hay Plains.
Over 6,000 German, Italian and Japanese civilian Internees and Prisoners of War (POW) were kept in three Prison Camps at Hay between 1940 and 1946. They were guarded by over 600 members of the 16th Australian Garrison Battalion.
The 'Dunera Boys', 1,984 German Jews and other refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe, were the first internees of British Government WWII policy and arrived in Hay on 7th September 1940.
The museum is a moving tribute to the power of the human spirit. Located at the Hay Railway.
Operating Hours
Open 7 days per week from 9am - 5pm
Contact Details
Phone: 02 6993 4045
Explore nearby
Museum Experience
Explore Hay’s Museums The Historic Hay tour introduces four of these museums. Hay residents share personal stories about the town, sheep shearers talk about their work, and history lovers talk about the hardships and joys of life in Hay over the decades. You will be informed, surprised and eager to discover more with the new…
Murrumbidgee River & Sandy Point
The Murrumbidgee River is affectionally known as the “Bidgee” by locals. The river is the lifeblood of the district, providing life-giving irrigation water for local agriculture and hours of fun for visitors and locals alike.The beautiful white sandy beaches of the Murrumbidgee River are a favourite spot. A haven for water lovers, Sandy Point boasts…
Hay Water Tower Art
Cnr Pine and Brunker St Hay NSW 2711
The Hay Water Tower art was envisaged as a lasting tribute to the many servicemen and women that left their small Riverina town on Hay Plains when the call to arms was made in World War II and headed overseas combat to protect their loved ones and county.Five veterans were selected to represent a broad…