Hay
NSW 2711 • Rest of NSW
About Hay
Hay is a rural town in the western Riverina region of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River approximately 740 kilometres west of Sydney. With a population of around 2,700, it serves as the administrative centre of the Hay Shire and a key service hub for the surrounding pastoral district. The town was established in the 1850s and has a rich agricultural heritage centred on wool, wheat, and cattle. The flat, open plains of the Hay region are iconic of outback New South Wales.
Hay offers a quintessential country town lifestyle with a strong community spirit and wide, tree-lined streets. Key attractions include the Shear Outback museum celebrating Australia's wool industry, the historic Hay Gaol, and the Dunera Museum commemorating the WWII internment camps. The Murrumbidgee River provides fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. The town has essential services including schools, a hospital, supermarkets, and sporting clubs. Hay appeals to those seeking an affordable, relaxed rural lifestyle with a genuine outback character.
Hay falls under postcode 2711 and is governed by Hay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- NSW TrainLink Coach — Griffith 2 hrs
- NSW TrainLink Coach — Mildura 3 hrs
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Regional town; nearest rail at Griffith (200km). REX flights from Griffith to Sydney. Nearest regional centre is Griffith (2hrs drive)
Compact town centre with shops, pubs, and services within walking distance; car essential for anything beyond town
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Harvey St
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Glover St
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Hay Public School ICSEA 934Lachlan St
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Hay War Memorial High School ICSEA 916Pine St
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436 Moppett Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 4 heritage-listed places in or near Hay, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics
NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Hay by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Hay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Hay" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
28 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. New Zealand 33
- 2. India 20
- 3. England 19
- 4. Fiji 13
- 5. Scotland 13
- 6. South Africa 12
- 7. Italy 10
- 8. Greece 8
- 9. Netherlands 8
- 10. Pakistan 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)