By Margaret Maccoll
Camels are intelligent, affectionate, curious, strongly attached to their offspring and just great to hang out with.
If you’ve ever ridden one you’ll realise they are a large animal and are not too elegant when it comes to standing up or lying down but once they’re in their stride the ride on their back is surprisingly smooth.
To camel dairy farmers and camel drivers Wayne Morris and Melanie Fitzgibbon their herd of 55 camels are cherished members of the family.
After arriving in the 1840s to carry loads across arid areas of Australia the camels role became redundant in the 1920s so rather than destroy their beloved animals Afghan camel drovers turned them loose.
Their descendants have roamed outback Australia in increasing numbers ever since causing damage to vegetation and wetlands, becoming road hazards and impacting the social and cultural values of Aboriginal people. Studies have been conducted on their populations and suggestions put forward on their management including a controversial cull about 10 years ago that was met with strong protest.
Generational dairy cow farmer and horse trainer Wayne and his partner Melanie decided to give camels a go about four years ago and acquired a number of wild camels.
When they arrived they were wild but after a few months of hand feeding they realised we weren’t going to hurt them, Wayne said.
Since then there hasn’t been a kick or a bite. The gently giants understand voice commands and just like hanging out with their human friends.
Melanie and Wayne now operate Camelot Dairy, a camel dairy just outside Gympie producing, processing and delivering their milk across south-east Queensland.
In addition to operating the dairy Melanie and Wayne run camel rides at both Noosa North Shore and Gympie Showgrounds as well as at a number of festivals and events.
Melanie said after spending two years working with QPWS they received permission to operate the rides on Noosa North Shore which began last December. When Covid-19 restrictions were introduced in March the rides were shutdown and have only recommenced a few weeks ago.
“They love the beach,” Melanie said of the camels.
The animals arrive at the beach in a large truck which they board themselves.
Realising a trip to the beach means food treats the camels treat their walks in the same way humans regard a nice breakfast at a cafe, she said.
And once there they are reluctant to leave.
The camels take riders on a leisurely 45 minute stroll along the waterline at a spot south of third cutting away from the cars.
Last Sunday there were eight camels on the journey led by Morgaine or Morgie as she is known.
For more information visit noosacamelrides.com.au or phone 0407 631 682.
