Murphy’s Haystacks

Step into a prehistoric landscape and explore the amazing rock formations known as Murphy’s Haystacks. These striking inselbergs (a German word meaning “island mountain”) rise from the rolling farmland of the Eyre Peninsula, creating an awe-inspiring natural wonder that has stood for over 100,000 years. Carved by wind and time, these pink granite pillars and boulders hold great cultural significance for the Wirangu people, the Traditional Custodians of this land. For thousands of years, the area has been an important site for storytelling and connection to Country, with the unique rock formations inspiring Indigenous legends and traditions. The name "Murphy’s Haystacks" comes from a traveler who once mistook the formations for stacks of hay on the Murphy family’s property. Today, this privately owned and maintained attraction offers a picnic area and public toilets for visitors, as well as a campground. A dream location for photographers, the rocks take on a breathtaking glow at sunset, radiating deep reds and oranges against the vast South Australian sky. Whether you're drawn to its geological history, or simply the stunning scenery, Murphy’s Haystacks is a must-visit landmark on the Eyre Peninsula.