A community Museum since 1976 that holds a fascinating collection of local artefacts and memorabilia. Feel the chill of the gaol cells as you discover the stories of their inmates. 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 the growing collection of antique windmills, beer pumps used in Hay’s hotels and a Chinese insense stone along with Australia’s largest flown boomerang and the oldest known original bark canoe, and much more.

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, flag raising ceremony and presentation of the town’s citizenship awards.