Explores one of the most fascinating stories in Australian history – a story that stretches from WW2 to modern-day Australia. From the capitals of Europe to the vast flatness of the Hay Plains.
Over 6,000 German, Italian and Japanese civilian Internees and Prisoners of War (POW) were kept in three Prison Camps at Hay between 1940 and 1946. They were guarded by over 600 members of the 16th Australian Garrison Battalion.
The 'Dunera Boys', 1,984 German Jews and other refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe, were the first internees of British Government WWII policy and arrived in Hay on 7th September 1940.
The museum is a moving tribute to the power of the human spirit. Located at the Hay Railway.
Operating Hours
Open 7 days per week from 9am - 5pm
Contact Details
Phone: 02 6993 4045
Explore nearby
Hay War Memorial High School Museum
Hay War Memorial High School Museum, 216 Pine Street, Hay NSW 2711, Australia
The people of Hay built a school as the war memorial for Hay to commemorate those who served in World War I. The museum tells both the stories of Hay and district war service from the Boer War to the present and the history of the school. The school was opened on ANZAC Day in1923…
Hay Water Tower Art
Cnr Pine and Brunker St Hay NSW 2711
The Hay Water Tower art was envisaged as a lasting tribute to the many servicemen and women that left their small Riverina town on Hay Plains when the call to arms was made in World War II and headed overseas combat to protect their loved ones and county.Five veterans were selected to represent a broad…
Historic Buildings
Hay is rich with history and heritage. Take a walk along the Heritage Trail during your visit and read the history of some of Hay’s wonderful historic buildings. Some buildings not to be missed that are not a part of the Heritage Walk are: Hay Railway StationHay War Memorial High SchoolHay War Memorial HallHay Gaol…