Height
5 meters
Year Built
2007
Address
Lachlan Street, Hay, NSW 2711
The Lowdown
The Big Marino in Hay stands as a proud symbol of the western NSW town's deep connection to Australia's wool industry. This magnificent sheep sculpture overlooks the vast Hay Plains, where Merino sheep have grazed for over 150 years. Hay became a vital hub for the wool industry, with its location on the Murrumbidgee River making it perfect for shipping wool bales to markets. The Big Marino honors the generations of graziers, shearers, and wool classers who built their lives around the fleece, and the iconic Merino breed that made Australia 'ride on the sheep's back' to prosperity.
Did you know?
"Australia once had over 180 million sheep at its peak"
History
Hay was established in 1859 and quickly became a major wool shipping point on the Murrumbidgee River. At its peak, the town processed millions of pounds of wool annually. The Big Marino was installed to honor this heritage and the generations who worked in the wool industry.
More Fun Facts
- •Australia once had over 180 million sheep at its peak
- •Merino wool is considered the finest in the world
- •A single Merino fleece can produce up to 18km of yarn
- •Hay was one of Australia's busiest wool centers in the 1800s
- •The phrase 'riding on the sheep's back' described Australia's wool wealth
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit the Hay Gaol Museum to learn about local history
- 💡The Shear Outback museum showcases wool industry heritage
- 💡Experience the famous Hay Plains sunset
- 💡Sandy Point Beach on the Murrumbidgee is great for swimming
- 💡Hay is halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane on the Newell Highway
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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