The Hay Shire covers an area of 11,348 km(sq) with a regional population of 2445 people (as at 2011 Census). Located on the vast open and virtually treeless Hay Plains, the main regional centre of Hay is situated at the intersection of the Sturt, Mid-Western and Cobb Highways. The other main towns in the Shire are Maude and Booligal, made famous by the Banjo Patterson poem Hay, Hell and Booligal.
The Hay Shire is noted for its friendly residents who welcome visitors to their region. The range of facilities and infrastructure for visitors caters to a wide range of interests and are certainly worth a visit.