Climb aboard a 'ship of the desert' and tour around Uluru, Alice Springs, through the Ilparpa Valley, the MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon.
Afghan cameleers came to Australia in 1860 with a shipment of 24 dromedaries for the Burke and Wills expedition. Today, these gentle creatures can be found all over the Territory, taking visitors on 5-minute ‘experiences’ to full-day safaris. Expert cameleers offer tours around Uluru, Alice Springs, through the Ilparpa Valley, the MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon (Watarrka).
Uluru
Spend some quality time getting to know your camel as the sun sets on Uluru and Kata Tjuta (or rises, if you prefer the cool morning air to the much hotter afternoons). Knowledgeable guides are by your side to fill you in on the ecology and history of the area – as well as give you tips on how to ride a camel.
Alice Springs and the Ilparpa Valley
Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Outback’, Alice’s climate and landscape provides the perfect environment for cameleering. Riders traverse magnificent mountain scenery while being introduced to the unique culture of the land’s indigenous people.
Journeys through the Ilparpa Valley get you up close to the MacDonnell Ranges, and the passive nature of camel travel allows for the perfect opportunity to see the wide variety of local wildlife and experience the peace and tranquility of desert travel.
Kings Canyon (Watarrka)
Just 36 km from the canyon is Kings Creek Station – a working cattle/camel station offering accommodation and the opportunity to experience the outback by quad-bike, helicopter or – you guessed it – camel. Visitors can also opt to be choppered out to their own exclusive camp-site, where they dine on freshly prepared ‘outback fare’ and discover the wonders of the southern night sky from a swag by the campfire. Wake up in the morning for breakfast and a hot cup of tea from the billy.
