Nestled in the Scenic Rim township of Harrisville is Australia’s largest and most awarded camel dairy farm, Summer Land Camels.
While it is primarily a dairy farm, Summer Land has also branched into tourism, providing meals, tours of the farm and camel rides. Everything is very reasonably priced and for a family it can be a relatively inexpensive day out, with camels in paddocks close by eager for attention and bags of feed available for only $2.
Farm tours are available for $25 for adults and $15 for children, or visitors can pre-book online for a camel ride for $15 per child and $20 per adult.
Although they are very friendly, the camels are by nature very timid and the process of breaking them in for riding is much longer than a horse. It can take up to 12 months of slow, calm work for these gentle giants to gain the trust needed to be ridden. Once they are rideable, they provide a great way for visitors to view the farm and stunning surrounding countryside.
The cafe is reasonably priced, and the camel’s milk gelato is a must to try. The texture is creamy and smooth, with delicate flavours. The camel burger is a surprise, with the sweet meat blending impecably with the camel cheese, a real delight.
Most of the camels have been brought in wild from Central Australia. There are currently approximately 600 camels grazing on the property, which prides itself on their ethical, sustainable and organic farming principles.
The farm operates a training and breeding program as well as milking onsite and making their own award winning cheeses.
Summer Land Camels is located at 8 Charles Chauvel Drive, Harrisville. Bookings are required for camel rides to avoid disappointment. For more information visit summerlandcamels.com.au.
