Shear Outback Hay New South Wales
Shear Outback, located in Hay, New South Wales, is an award-winning cultural centre dedicated to the Australian shearing industry. Established to formally recognize the immense contribution of shearers and the wool trade to the nation’s development, the facility offers visitors a detailed and active experience. Situated at the junction of major highways, this is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Australian rural history.
The Shearing Exhibition and Museum
The main exhibition area at Shear Outback details the history and mechanics of the shearing life. Visitors learn about the industry’s progression, from the arrival of sheep in Australia to the evolution of wool harvesting technology. The displays clearly explain the shift from blade shearing to modern mechanical methods.
The museum explores the crucial role of shearers in Australia’s labour history, specifically examining the shearers’ strikes and the eventual formation of the Australian Workers’ Union. The exhibits portray the difficult conditions and strong sense of community that defined life in the isolated shearing sheds.
The Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame
The museum also houses the Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame, a space built to resemble a large, working woolshed. This area serves as a permanent honour roll for the industry’s most influential individuals—shearers, wool classers, rousies, and others. The Hall of Fame ensures that the dedication and technical skill of these figures are formally recorded and celebrated.
The displays profile inductees, detailing their personal stories, competitive achievements, and technological contributions. It highlights both historical champions and contemporary record-holders, providing context for their legacy within the trade. The Hall of Fame reinforces the message that shearing is a highly skilled craft, not just a physical job, by documenting careers marked by exceptional quality and determination.
The Live Demonstration in the Woolshed
The highlight of a visit is held in the Murray Downs Woolshed, a historic 1920s structure re-erected on the site. This authentic setting hosts the daily, live shearing demonstrations.
A professional shearer guides the audience through the entire process. They methodically explain the shearing pattern, the safe handling of the sheep, and the precise operation of the handpiece. During the demonstration, the shearer also explains wool classing, showing how wool is assessed for quality (measured in microns) and prepared for market. Visitors get a real-time understanding of the skill required and can ask questions directly about the machinery and life in the sheds.
What Did We Think?
This was a great place to visit. No only did we learn about the Australian shearing industry, but saw a live sheep shearing demonstration. Additionally, there’s a café on site, where you can get snacks and meals.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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