Located near the majestic Murrumbidgee River in idyllic South Western NSW, the Riverina town of Hay has expanded from its modest origins in the Gold Rush era to an important agricultural and transportation nexus and popular tourist attraction. Combining natural beauty, historical significance and landmark Australian industry, the Hay Shire incorporates both the town of Hay as well as the nearby villages of Booligal, Maude and One Tree. The flat saltbrush grasslands of Hay are home to one of Australia’s leading wool growing and sheep meat producing areas, as well as cattle properties and various agricultural outputs such as broccoli and corn.
Also around Hay are the Riverine Forest, Grey Box Woodlands and Native Scrublands, home to a multitude of famous native fauna, such as Kangaroos and Bilbys. The plains of Hay have provided ideal living conditions for human settlement going back to the Nari Nari Aboriginal community who inhabited the area. White settlement started with the founding of four squatter pastures, growing into a community funded by trade with the stockmen and riverboats who traversed Langs Crossing.
Along with the construction of a hotel, post office and courthouse, Hay grew substantially with the famous Cobb and Co making Hay their base of operations for Victoria and the Riverina, including the largest stagecoach factory outside of Sydney. Growing tenfold in population, Hay was later depopulated due to virtually every eligible adult male enlisting for service in World War I, of which 1/6 were killed in action. Hay’s population would later be increased after the thousands of war prisoners and refugees held in the area during World War II were released and later resettled in Hay. Still a rural agricultural town, Hay recognizes and celebrates its heritage and natural beauty with a number of locations and establishments that cater to tourists and locals alike.
For short term accommodation hay, accommodation hay or holiday home hay, make sure you investigate Murrumbidgee Cottages. Both of our cottages are situated just a short distance from the picturesque Murrumbidgee river and are perfect for families. If you are looking for a holiday home for a couple of days, short term accommodation or even something longer either would be a great fit.