Australia’s feral camel population, estimated between 300,000 and one million animals, has become the largest wild population of its kind in the world, prompting a mix of traditional outback culling, commercial export, and burgeoning domestic industries. Originally imported by British colonists in the 19th century for transport in the arid interior, the animals were set free when motorized vehicles made them redundant, according to local authorities.
Commercial Exports and Outback Agriculture
While official authorities classify the roaming herds as a major pest that fouls waterholes, damages Indigenous cultural sites, and competes with livestock for food, domesticated herds supply a growing export and agricultural market. Trade data shows that exports of camel meat totaled over 3.9 million AUD in 2024. Furthermore, farmers sent 68 whole camels to Malaysia and Indonesia in 2026, according to official figures.
In the South Australian town of Robe, Humpalicious farm owner and former sea captain Warwick Hill maintains that the animals make rewarding agricultural subjects. “They’re very nice to work with. They’re very easily domesticated,” Hill told AFP, adding that the animals generally reciprocate kindness. Hill sells camel milk for 20 AUD (R228) per litre, arguing it represents a superior, less overprocessed alternative to mainstream dairy options and ranks among the milks closest to human milk. Despite consumer interest, Hill notes that high labor costs and relatively low milk yields keep business small, though tourism and homestays help supplement farm income.
Specialized Products and Brewing Innovations
Local businesses in Robe have found creative ways to integrate camel farming into regional trade. At the Robe Town Brewery, brewer Maris Biezaitis utilizes leftover grain from the brewing process to feed Humpalicious farm camels. In return, the brewery uses the animals’ dried dung to smoke malt for a specialized dark beer named ‘Holy Smokes’ porter.
Sold in dark brown bottles featuring a camel dressed as the Virgin Mary, the 8.2 percent alcohol volume porter offers a distinct flavor profile. “It doesn’t really taste like dung,” Biezaitis told AFP. “It tastes and smells a bit more like peat-smoked malt. Smoky beer.”
Camel Racing Traditions and Economic Impact
Further north in the remote South Australian town of Marree—roughly 600 kilometers north of Adelaide—camels transition from beasts of burden to race animals during the annual Marree Camel Cup. The event draws hundreds of spectators to celebrate camel racing, community culture, and Afghan cameleer heritage, as hosted by the Marree Sports Club and Marree & Districts Progress Association.
The 2026 event saw a participant named Young Gun win the main race under rider Patrick Dennis. First-time racer Joanne Bell, 55, took a tumble during the competition, telling AFP she fell in love with camels while working at a petting farm and wanted to pursue jockeying regardless of the animal. Fellow racer Kyrraley Woodhouse noted that selecting a competitive racer requires finding an animal with a distinct personality. “You would want a little bit of temper, a little bit of fire in them,” Woodhouse told AFP. “Something that’s got a heart, that’s going to run.”
While the Marree event celebrates local culture, the Boulia Camel Cup stands as Australia’s most prestigious, longest, and richest camel race, offering a prize pool of 45,000 AUD (R513,000) on the third weekend in July. According to Archyde reporting on global sports economics, regional camel racing circuits benefit from state support and private sponsorships that inject capital directly into livestock trading, breeding, and tourism sectors, though maintaining competitive racing stables requires significant capital expenditure.
Did you know? Muslim cameleers from Afghanistan and Central and South Asia were brought to Australia in the 1860s to harness the animals’ resilience for transport across the arid interior, a heritage still honored in outback towns like Marree today, according to local descendant Greg Burk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wild camels are currently in Australia?
Authorities estimate the feral camel population in outback Australia ranges between 300,000 and one million animals.
Why were camels originally brought to Australia?
British colonists imported camels in the 19th century for transport in the arid interior, relying on handlers from Afghanistan and South Asia before releasing the animals when motorized vehicles rendered them redundant.
What are the primary commercial uses for Australian camels today?
Camels are utilized for meat exports totaling over 3.9 million AUD in 2024, live exports to Malaysia and Indonesia, specialized milk production, tourism, and competitive racing events like the Marree Camel Cup and the Boulia Camel Cup.
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