Category: south australia

Murphy’s Haystacks

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About 40km south of Streaky Bay, on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, lie the inselbergs known as Murphy’s Haystacks.

Local legend has it that coach driver Charlie Mudge named Murphy’s Haystacks following a remark by a Scottish agricultural advisor who saw the landmark in the distance while travelling on the mail coach. Shimmering like haystacks in the hot afternoon sun, he was very impressed with the sight before him and remarked, “That man must harrow, look at all the hay he has saved.” (https://southaustralia.com/products/eyre-peninsula/attraction/murphys-haystacks)

The pink Hiltaba Granite, which is 1500 million years old, has been weathered in such a way as to produce these landforms, which are believed to be 100 000 years old in their current form.

Initial erosion by water and wind would have formed upright stacks or inselbergs and plains. Over thousands of years, sand was deposited on, and around, the granite hills of the region, burying the prolific structures. Further erosion has revealed the forms on Murphy’s land.

The different formations indicate time periods and methods of erosion, and lichen now thrives on the exposed granite, adding more colour. It is a great place to photograph and only costs a small donation to walk around an area the size of a paddock.

Safe travels. Take water, hat and sunscreen.

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden

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Nestled under the lip of Mount Lofty Summit, in a suburb of the Adelaide Hills called Piccadilly, is one of the three South Australian Botanic Gardens.

There is ample parking and signage, with large and portable maps available at the gate.

There’s a variety of paths, from flat, bitumised trails to steep, beaten dirt and you usually have a clear choice so that you don’t get into trouble. It is definitely suitable for wheelchairs or those with assisted ambulance.

So many choices of views are possible and at this time of the year, some trees with colourful foliage could lure you that way, or walls of flowers.

And if you need a rest, or rest stop, there are toilets, and benches a-plenty.

While ducks are plentiful on the ground, they are also found high in the trees and you won’t have any trouble spotting a kangaroo or colourful bird.

Streams and flowers, fossils, structures and sculptures.

Come and visit for yourself. I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. It is suitable for families, groups, couples and singles and can be accessed from Adelaide City, but is easiest by car.

Take a coat and hat in winter and a hat and water in summer.