For updated information on a recent article about Coffs Coast Camels, see here.
If you've never been on a camel, then add it to your list of things to experience. Camels are such beautiful and friendly animals and riding them is exciting, regardless of whether you are 8 or 88.
Coffs Coast Camels is located in Coffs Harbour, approximately 6 hours north of Sydney and about 5 hours south of Brisbane on the beautiful Boambee Beach.
Accompanied by their guide, the camels also referred to as Ships of the Desert, will take you on a gentle 30 minute stroll along Boambee Beach (starting from Deep Sea Fishing Club in Jordan Esplanade) and on Sundays you can take a short ride near the Coffs Harbour Markets (corner of Marina Drive & Jordan Esplanade).
Each ride is not only fun but also very educational and you will learn some amazing facts – for example did you know that:
1. A camel's hump does not store water? It stores fat, lessening heat trapping insulation around the rest of the body.
2. One reason they can go for long periods without water is because of the oval shape of their red blood cells. These are oval so will flow when they are dehydrated rather than clumping as ours do.
3. Camels can kick in all four directions with each of their legs.
4. Camels shed their coat each year.
5. They have two layers of thick eyelashes to protect them from the dust.
6. Baby camels are born without a hump.
7. A camel can drink about 200 litres of water in a day.
8. The average weight of a male camel is 500 – 600kg and female 400-500kg.
9. Camel's gestation period is 406 days (13-14 months).
Coffs Coast Camel rides are a very affordable family attraction. The short Sunday rides are only $10 per person and the beach rides are $30 for adults and $25 for children 5-13 years. You can also get a group of friends together for a 1 hour champagne beach ride and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne.
This is one of the few camel tour operations in Australia, where the camels can actually take you for a walk in the surf. Currently there are 5 camels – lead camel Jack, second lead camel Aussie, a little lady Zowie, glamour boy Moose and cuddly Monkie. The camels are not only available for beach camel rides, but also corporate events, school groups, fetes and fund raisers as well as weddings and special events.
Coffs Coast Camels is run by Allan and Natalie, who obviously adore their camels. They treat them as part of their family and you can clearly see the love they have for these gorgeous animals. Natalie is an avid photographer and takes hundreds of photos of her babies and visitors. You can either go to their website or become a fan on their Facebook page and next time you are in the Coffs Harbour area, make sure you visit them – it will definitely be an experience you will never forget.