Take a wander through the amazing rock formations known as Murphy’s Haystacks.
by Katrina Gogel
Murphy’s Haystacks are a privately owned tourist attraction located approximately 40 kilometres from the seaside town of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.
Calling in for a visit while on holiday recently, we were wowed by the large wind worn rock formations which are a type of Inselberg, otherwise known as an ‘island mountain’. These rocks are ancient, and are estimated to be over 1,500 million years old!
They acquired their unusual name when a Scottish agricultural expert saw the landmark in the distance whilst travelling by coach. Impressed with what he saw, he informed his fellow passengers that the farmer must have harrowed his land to produce such a great abundance of hay. From then on passing coachmen described them as haystacks to their passengers. The original farmer of the land was Mr. Murphy, and so the landmark became known as Murphy’s Haystacks.
Murphy’s Haystacks are easily accessible from the Eyre Highway by 2wd car, with a well-maintained dirt road leading into the property and up to a parking area. A pram friendly gravel footpath then takes you out to two large groups of ‘haystacks’, where you can while away some time exploring around all the different shapes and sizes.
Though our visit was kept short due to freezing cold, blustery weather we certainly liked our time here. Our youngsters had great fun running around and burning some energy- both particularly enjoying the (self-appointed) challenge of trying to run up the large ‘wave’ rock near the start of the walk.
Murphy’s Haystacks are a must-see when on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula, and are the perfect place to pit stop when travelling to or from Streaky Bay. We’ll be back again one day!
Facilities and things to note:
- Murphy’s Haystacks are situated on private property.
- A fee of $5 per family (as at August 2020) is payable into a donation box for your visit. Your honesty is greatly appreciated by the owners.
- Please leave gates, animals and natural features undisturbed.
- The car park and road is suitable for caravans.
- The walking path out to the rocks is well formed and compact, and suitable for prams.
- There are toilets on site plus a picnic shelter.
- Self-contained camping is allowed. Fees apply.
The Eyre Peninsula has lots of other wonderful rock formations that are worth a visit – see our post here to read about them.
Location:
Benbarbar Road, Mortana (40 kilometres south from Streaky Bay)
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For more information and all enquiries please visit the Streaky Bay council website.
What: Murphy’s Haystacks
When: Daylight hours
Where: Benbarbar Road, Mortana (40 kilometres from Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula)
Who: All Ages
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: All photos by Katrina Gogel
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