Australia’s feral camel population, numbering between 300,000 and a million animals across the outback according to authorities, has evolved from a 19th-century colonial transport solution into a complex economic resource spanning wild racing, meat exports, and niche dairy farming. Originally imported from the Arabian desert and British India by colonists, the dromedaries were turned loose when motorized transport made them redundant. Today, while feral herds compete with stock for food, damage Indigenous cultural sites, and foul waterholes, domestic operators are finding commercial viability in exports and specialized products.
Camel Meat and Live Exports to Southeast Asia
Commercial harvesting of the outback herds supplies a steady international market, with Australian trade data showing camel meat exports totaled over $3.9 million in 2024. Alongside processed meat, live animals are shipped overseas for agricultural demand. According to trade figures, 68 whole camels have been sent to Malaysia and Indonesia so far in 2026.
Did you know? Muslim cameleers from Afghanistan and South Asia were brought to Australia in the 1860s because the animals’ resilience made them uniquely suited for navigating the arid interior.
Dairy Farming and the Market for Camel Milk
On the Humpalicious farm on the outskirts of the South Australian town of Robe, former sea captain Warwick Hill operates a small-scale dairy producing camel milk. Hill sells the product for Aus$20 ($14) a liter, maintaining that it offers health benefits for people with allergies and serves as a closer alternative to human milk than “overprocessed” mainstream dairy.
“We haven’t met anybody that can’t have camel milk,” Hill told AFP, noting that the animals are easily domesticated if handlers are fair and kind. Despite consumer interest, Hill points out that labor costs and the relatively low milk output of the animals make expansion difficult. The farm supplements its agricultural income with tourism and a homestay.
Cross-Industry Partnerships: From Dairy to Brewery
Operations in Robe have found unconventional ways to integrate camel farming with local industry. Maris Biezaitis of Robe Town Brewery collects camel dung from Humpalicious after feeding the animals leftover grain residue from the brewing process. Biezaitis uses the dried dung as fuel to smoke malted barley for a specialized beer called Holy Smoke.
The Marree Australasian Camel Cup and Outback Racing
Further north in the remote South Australian town of Marree—located roughly 600 kilometers (370 miles) north of Adelaide—the outback population serves a different purpose during the annual Marree Australasian Camel Cup. Hundreds of spectators travel to the town to watch the animals compete in wild races.
In the recent event, the camel Young Gun secured victory, ridden by jockey Patrick Dennis. Bell told AFP she transitioned to camel racing after working at a petting farm and wanting to experience being a jockey. Competitor Kyrraley Woodhouse noted that successful racing requires selecting an animal with “a little bit of fire in them” and the drive to run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many camels are currently in Australia?
Authorities estimate the feral camel population ranges from 300,000 to as many as one million roaming the outback.
Why were camels originally brought to Australia?
British colonists imported camels from the Arabian desert and British India in the 19th century to haul transport through the arid interior, relying on cameleers from Afghanistan and South Asia.
Where is camel milk produced in Australia?
Producers like Humpalicious farm in Robe, South Australia, raise domesticated dromedaries for milk, selling it locally and offering farm tours.
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