Murphys Haystacks

Rising abruptly from a paddock on the Eyre Peninsula, Murphys Haystacks are a striking collection of ancient, wind-sculpted granite boulders that look like they’ve been dropped from another planet. These pink-hued inselbergs, weathered over 1.5 billion years, offer a surreal and photogenic stop that feels wonderfully off-the-beaten-path. The site is privately owned but open to visitors, with a small honesty-box entry fee and a short walking trail that lets you wander among the giant ‘haystacks’ up close.

Highlights & What to See

• Granite Boulders – Marvel at the rounded, stacked formations, some balancing precariously, created by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
• Walking Trail – A 500-metre loop leads you around and between the boulders, with interpretive signs explaining the geology and local flora.
• Wildflowers & Birdlife – In spring, the surrounding scrub bursts with colour, and you might spot honeyeaters, wrens, and raptors overhead.
• Sunset Views – The rocks glow warmly in late afternoon light, making it a prime spot for photographers.
• Nearby Streaky Bay – Combine your visit with a stop at this charming coastal town for fish and chips on the jetty.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to an hour to fully explore the site. The walk is short and easy, so you can comfortably fit Murphys Haystacks into a half-day detour while driving along the Eyre Peninsula. If you’re a keen photographer or geology buff, you might linger longer, especially around sunset.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Streaky Bay – 20 minutes north; a laid-back fishing town with beautiful beaches, a historic jetty, and great seafood.
• Baird Bay – 45 minutes north; famous for swimming with sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Coffin Bay – 1.5 hours south; renowned for its pristine coastline, oysters, and Coffin Bay National Park.
• Port Lincoln – 2 hours south; the seafood capital of Australia, with shark cage diving and the Boston Bay wine region.
• Gawler Ranges National Park – 2 hours east; rugged outback scenery, ancient volcanic formations, and wildlife like kangaroos and emus.

Please check official sources for current details.