Hay Gaol

Hay Gaol is a Victorian-era prison in the Hay region of New South Wales with thick stone walls, secure gates, and individual cells. The structure preserves the typical layout of a 19th-century correctional facility with separate areas for administration, detention, and supervision.

The prison was built in the late 19th century and served as a major correctional facility for over 100 years. It closed in 2001 and now stands protected as a heritage site.

The building shows how Australia treated prisoners in the 19th century and how punishment practices changed over time. The preserved rooms tell the story of daily conditions in which people lived back then.

Visitors can explore the grounds independently or join guided tours to learn more about daily routines and living conditions. The site is accessed outdoors, so bring weather protection and comfortable walking shoes.

The grounds preserve rare details like exercise yards and guard stations that show how strictly security and control were organized. These areas reveal how inmates lived under constant supervision and the structure of daily routines.