Camel Rides!

So last night was camel ride night!

Kylie and I had been looking forward to this, but George wasn't so excited. He was scared, even though we have all riden camels before!

Anyway, we were picked up from our hotel at 5pm and taken the short drive out to the camel farm, there were two buses of people going to the sunset tour. When an elderly couple (I guess in their 80's) got on the bus we told George he couldn't complain any more if they could do it!!

We arrived at the camel farm, received our safety talk, visited a baby camel for a pat and were then lead to our camels we would spend the next 1 hour riding.

George and I were introduced to "Murphy", our camel. He had been with the cameleer for about 20 years and was one of his favourites. Murphy had accompanied the cameleer on numerous across Australia safaris that he has undertaken.

Kylie, Shelly & George

We were talking to one of the cameleers about the camels and he said that they currently have about 50 camels on site. 5 of these are new camels that they recently caught and took to the farm to train for riding.

We had no idea they just catch wild camels and can then train them. Apparently they adapt fairly quickly to being confined and are happy to hang around as they have shelter, constant supply of food and new friends!

Within 3 months they can have a wild camel trained and ready to take people riding, just amazing.

What a view, climbing sand dunes towards Uluru

Camels have been in Australia for a long time, many were imported and used for exploration and working.

Camels were a big part of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition in 1860, as well as many others. Camels were also used in the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line.

Once motorised cars and machinery came around, camels weren't required and as such, were let lose.

Over the years, these camels have continued to multiply to the point that they are now a pest in the outback. There are currently culls going on to try and reduce the numbers.

Shelly & George on "Murphy" the camel

The ride took us out across the sand dunes towards Uluru and then around to watch the sunset over Kata Tjuta, a beautiful sight. The photos we managed to take were awesome, but again, they didn't come close to capturing the true beauty of this place.

Sunset over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

We all had a great time, even George!

After the ride we all headed back to the camel farm for a few beers and wine and some beer damper.

It was a great end to the ride and such an amazing way to spend our last night at Uluru and NT.

Sunset over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

On return to the hotel we went to the bar where we found Johnny sitting having a beer - not an unusual site for dad!

We all then went to the Bough House for a bite to eat and their dessert buffet!!

George with his new best friend, Murphy!