Planning a stop at Murphy’s Haystacks on the Eyre Peninsula? This guide explains what Murphy’s Haystacks are, how to get there, and why these unusual rock formations are worth a detour from the Flinders Highway.
Murphy’s Haystacks is a strange rock formation just off the Flinders Highway on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. They’re worth pulling off the highway for on the drive from Port Lincoln to Streaky Bay, or Port Lincoln to Ceduna.
The Murphy’s Haystacks tourist site is on private land, around 40km south of Streaky Bay.
What are Murphy’s Haystacks in South Australia?
Technically, these weird rocks are an inselberg – like Uluru or Pildappa Rock. Once upon a time, these granite boulders and pillars were buried deep in the earth’s crust. But over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, the surrounding rocks were eroded and transported away across the landscape.
Murphy’s Haystacks haven’t risen out of the ground. These bizarre pink rocks are simply what’s left. They’re the hardy, battle-worn survivors. They just so happen to look like the teeth of a giant that has eaten far, far too much sugar.
How to get to Murphy’s Haystacks
Getting to Murphy’s Haystacks is simple enough. There’s a turning off the Flinders Highway at the tiny settlement of Mortana. From there, it’s about a 2km drive to Murphy’s Haystacks.
Best time to visit Murphy’s Haystacks
They’re best seen at sunrise or sunset, when the moving sun causes Murphy’s Haystacks to change colours. Photographers will have a field day in the best light.
Murphy’s Haystacks entry fee and facilities
There’s not an official entry fee for Murphy’s Haystacks, but a gold coin donation is requested. This fee goes towards maintaining the toilets and picnic area.
Why Murphy’s Haystacks is one of the Eyre Peninsula’s most unusual attractions
While the Eyre Peninsula is often associated with beaches and wildlife, Murphy’s Haystacks offers something completely different. The unusual shapes, pink granite colours and isolated setting make it one of the most distinctive geological attractions in the region.
Things to do near Murphy’s Haystacks: Wildlife, beaches and marine encounters
Other things to do on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula include spotting emus in the Coffin Bay National Park, swimming in the rock pools at Greenly Beach and snorkelling with sea lions at Baird Bay.
Things to do near Murphy’s Haystacks: Eyre Peninsula highlights
- Greenly Beach: Famous for its crystal-clear rock pools and dramatic coastal scenery.
- Baird Bay: One of Australia’s best places to snorkel with sea lions in the wild.
- Coffin Bay National Park: Known for beaches (including the white sand of Almonta Beach), wildlife and coastal landscapes.
- Pildappa Rock: Another impressive granite inselberg on the Eyre Peninsula.
- Streaky Bay: A coastal town that serves as a convenient base for exploring the region.
Murphy’s Haystacks visitor information: Parking, facilities and access
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where are Murphy’s Haystacks located? | Approximately 40km south of Streaky Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula |
| How do you get to Murphy’s Haystacks? | Turn off the Flinders Highway at Mortana and drive about 2km |
| What are Murphy’s Haystacks? | A granite inselberg consisting of unusual weathered rock formations |
| Is there an entry fee for Murphy’s Haystacks? | No official fee, but a gold coin donation is requested |
| Are there facilities at Murphy’s Haystacks? | Yes, including toilets and a picnic area |
| When is the best time to visit Murphy’s Haystacks? | Sunrise or sunset for the best colours and photography conditions |
| Is there parking at Murphy’s Haystacks? | Yes, parking is available on site for visitors |
More South Australia travel
Other South Australia travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- In search of seafood on the Eyre Peninsula.
- Why I enjoyed the drive across the Nullarbor.
- Meeting the Australian fur seals of Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island.
- Guide to Wilpena Pound for first time visitors.
- Why are there underground homes in Coober Pedy, South Australia?
