Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The formations loom twenty feet tall in places, their surfaces pockmarked and smooth as if thumbed by a sculptor over the 1,500 million years they've stood here. You can walk among them, pressing your palm against sun-warmed stone that feels almost animate in its curves. The grassland around them whispers in the constant coastal wind, and the horizon stretches unbroken toward Antarctica. The beach itself lies a short drive beyond, where the Eyre Peninsula meets the Bight in a collision of limestone cliffs and bone-white sand. The water churns turquoise and navy in bands, and the wind rarely stops. You'll likely have long stretches to yourself, walking the tideline where kelp tangles with driftwood and the only footprints are your own and those of the occasional fisherman. Most visitors time their arrival for late afternoon, when the low sun ignites the granite in shades of burnt orange and the shadows between the boulders deepen to indigo. The hamlet of Elliston, fifteen minutes north, offers pub meals and fuel; out here, you're alone with stone, sky, and the relentless breath of the Southern Ocean.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Murphys Haystacks Beach.
Photos
Swimming conditions near Murphy's Haystacks can be challenging due to strong currents, waves, and rocky shoreline. The site is primarily visited for the iconic pink granite rock formations rather than swimming. The Southern Ocean coastline here can be unpredictable and exposed. If you plan to enter the water, stay close to shore, watch for rips, and never swim alone. Always check local conditions and be extremely cautious. Most visitors focus on photography and exploring the ancient rock formations rather than water activities.
Murphy's Haystacks can be visited year-round, but spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring. Summer (December-February) brings warm weather ideal for coastal visits, though it can be hot and exposed with limited shade around the rocks. Winter (June-August) is cooler but still accessible. For photography, golden hour at sunrise or sunset provides stunning light on the pink granite formations. Avoid midday harsh light if possible. The site is accessible in all weather conditions.
Murphy's Haystacks is located approximately 38 kilometres south of Streaky Bay and 20 kilometres north of Elliston along the Flinders Highway on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. The site is clearly signposted from the highway. Turn off onto a short gravel access road leading to the formations. There is a designated parking area at the site with space for several vehicles, including caravans. A small entry fee applies (honour system), payable at the entrance. The formations are a short walk from the car park.
Murphy's Haystacks is a remote natural site with no facilities on-site—no toilets, water, or food available. The nearest towns are Elliston (20km south) and Streaky Bay (38km north), both offering accommodation, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and fuel. Plan ahead by bringing water, snacks, and using facilities before arriving. Both towns provide motels, caravan parks, and coastal camping options. The visit typically takes 30-60 minutes, making it feasible as a stop between these towns while travelling the Eyre Peninsula coastal route.
Murphy's Haystacks are ancient pink granite inselbergs weathered over 1,500 million years into striking rounded shapes resembling haystacks. Despite the name, they're not at the beach but on farmland near the coast. The unique pink-orange granite contrasts beautifully with blue skies and surrounding landscape. These formations are among the oldest rocks on the Eyre Peninsula. Their unusual shapes, created by wind and rain erosion, make them exceptional subjects for photography. The site remains on private farmland, generously opened to visitors by the Murphy family for generations.
