Murphys Haystacks - SA

Murphys Haystacks are a geological wonder and are well worth a visit.

Follow the Flinders Highway for about 39 kilometres (towards Port Lincoln from Streaky Bay) and turn onto the Calca to Point Labatt Road - the area is well signposted. After travelling about 1.6 kilometres along a sealed road, a picnic area becomes visible and this marks the entrance to the viewing area.The picnic area features undercover tables and chairs as well as an area shaded by trees - toilets are available.

The origin of the granite rocks, or inselbergs is fascinating. Made up of pink (some call it red) Hiltaba granite, so named after a sheep station situated some way north-east, the haystacks have stood on top of the earth in their present form for nearly 34,000 years.

This represents an almost immeasurable amount of time in relation to us, as humans, but is actually less than 0.002 per cent of the granites estimated life-span of about 1500 million years.

Local legend says that Murphys Haystacks acquired its name from an agricultural expert who saw this landmark in the distance whilst travelling on the mail coach driven by Charlie Mudge.

Apparently the gentleman was very impressed and informed his fellow passengers that the farmer must have harrowed his land to produce such a great abundance of hay!