Murphy's Haystacks
Pink Granite From the Dawn of Time
A cluster of strange, wind-sculpted pink granite inselbergs more than 1,500 million years old, standing in a farm paddock near Streaky Bay.
1,500-million-year-old sculptures
Murphy's Haystacks are a cluster of pink granite inselbergs - isolated rock outcrops weathered into smooth, rounded and curiously balanced shapes over an almost unimaginable span of time. The granite formed more than 1,500 million years ago and has been slowly exposed and sculpted by wind and rain ever since.
The name comes from a passing traveller who mistook the rocks for haystacks on Mr Murphy's land. Today they sit on private farmland with public access via an honesty box, and at sunrise and sunset they glow a remarkable pink - one of the most photographed sights on the west coast.
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Last verified 8 August 2026 · source: South Australia Tourism - Murphy's Haystacks
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Murphy's Haystacks - frequently asked questions
What are Murphy's Haystacks?
Murphy's Haystacks are a striking cluster of ancient pink granite inselbergs and wind-sculpted boulders rising from farmland between Streaky Bay and Port Kenny. The granite is around 1,500 million years old, weathered into rounded, organic shapes.
How did Murphy's Haystacks get their name?
The name is said to come from a passing traveller who mistook the rock formations for haystacks on Mr Murphy's farm, remarking that the farmer must be doing well. The name stuck.
Can you visit Murphy's Haystacks?
Yes. Murphy's Haystacks are on private farmland but open to visitors via a self-registration honesty box with a small fee. A short walk leads among the formations, which are especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
Sources
- South Australia Tourism - Murphy's Haystacks (accessed August 2026)
- Wikipedia - Murphy's Haystacks (accessed August 2026)
Image credits
- Murphys Haystacks, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia (48797509011).jpg by John Morton from Adelaide , CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons