Finley is a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest town in the Berrigan Shire Local Government Area and at the 2006 census had a population of 2,054.

The town is located approximately 140 kilometres west of Albury on the intersection of the Newell Highway and Riverina Highways.

History

The Post Office opened on 1 January 1881 but was known as Murray Hut until 1893.

Education

Finley has one State and one Catholic Primary School St. Josephs. Finley High School attracts students from a wide catchment from around and including the towns of Berrigan, Tocumwal, Jerilderie and Blighty.

Finley is also home to a campus of Riverina TAFE.

Attractions

Finley is a pioneer railway town and has an extensive collection of rail memorabilia at the railway museum. Finley Lake, a small reservoir that stores the town's drinking water is a popular location for water activities. The former Spanish Galleon (which inspired local band Spiderbait) was a tourist attraction, until burnt down in 1997.

It has three hotels; the Albion, the Tuppal and the Country Club as well as a Returned Services Club, Bowling Club and a Golf Club.

Sport

Australian rules football, Cricket and Netball are all very popular in the town. Sporting teams include the Finley Football Club who compete in the Murray Football League.

Finley Apex club hosts a rodeo every January and a tractor pull every February.

Notable Residents

Notable persons from Finley include:

Hawthorn Australian rules footballer and 1999 Brownlow Medallist Shane Crawford.
Geelong Australian rules footballers, Jack Hawkins and his son, Tom Hawkins.
Fashion designer Jenny Hoo
The popular band Spiderbait.
Australian Country Music Star Craig Giles.