Hay Gaol Museum - Hay

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 a 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 children too. The Gaol Museum is the hub of Hay's stirring Australia Day celebrations which are held in the Gaol grounds including a hearty breakfast, flag raising ceremony and presentation of the town's citizenship awards.