New South Wales location profile
Hay NSW 2711
Hay is a rural service town on the Murrumbidgee River in the western Riverina, known for big skies, the flat Hay Plains and rich pastoral heritage. It offers a relaxed riverside lifestyle, heritage attractions and a close-knit community supporting surrounding farms.
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Why families consider Hay
A small, agriculturally focused community with many families, farm workers and an older median age. Lifestyle is laid-back and outdoorsy, centered on the river, local sport, and community events, with strong ties to wool and cropping industries.
Amenities & services
- Supermarkets and local shops along Lachlan Street
- Hay Health Service (hospital) and GP clinics
- Pubs, cafes and restaurants
- Post office and basic banking
- Service stations and rural supplies
- Primary and central school
- Hay Shire Library – Lachlan Street, Hay
Transport & connectivity
- No passenger rail (nearest stations: Griffith, Wagga Wagga)
- NSW TrainLink coach services linking to Wagga Wagga/Griffith/Deniliquin/Mildura
- Sturt Highway (A20) and Cobb Highway (B75)
- Hay Airport (general aviation; no regular passenger services)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Shear Outback – Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame
- Sandy Point beach on the Murrumbidgee (swimming, fishing, boating)
- Hay Park ovals, tennis/netball courts and skate park
- Hay Swimming Pool
- Hay Twin Cinema and community events
- RSL/Services club and local pubs
- Sandy Point Reserve
- Bishop’s Lodge Historic House and Heritage Rose Garden
- Hay Park
- Lions Park
- Murrumbidgee River foreshore reserves
Education context
Council-run long day care/preschool (Hay Children’s Services) and limited family day care; bookings recommended.
- Charles Sturt University – Wagga Wagga campus (~160km east)
- Charles Sturt University – Albury-Wodonga campus (~360km southeast)
- La Trobe University – Mildura campus (~300km west)