With two bags slung across my body, one containing my water and the other, my camera, I set off for my adventure. It was still dark as I trekked across the red soil to meet my ride.
The camels were lined up and ready to go. After getting settled on the huge animal, my tiredness from the early start dissipated. I welcomed the cool, crisp air; a relief from the oppressive heat the previous day. I was embarking on the Sunrise Camel Experience, operated by
Uluru Camel Tours.
The Sunrise Camel Experience begins one hour before sunrise and this peaceful journey was the perfect way to experience the majesty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
As we plodded over the rich sand dunes and witnessed the stunning Australian outback, our cameleer shared his knowledge about the flora and fauna.
Outback
Uluru
Light slowly emerged over the horizon and the desert came to life. We paused at a remote lookout, an awe-inspiring vista, and our guide took this opportunity to take photos of us on our camels with the impressive outback as a backdrop.
Sunrise
A light breakfast is served back at the farm - the most incredible beer baked damper with a range of spreads available including jam, Nutella, honey and Vegemite. Juice, tea and coffee were also provided.
There is time to explore the farm before the bus departs, dropping guests back at their hotels. You may even have the opportunity to give the baby camels their bottle!
If you have time, the Chris Hill Saddlery is well worth a look. This is a fully working saddlery and all the saddles and harnesses are made there from scratch. The saddles take approximately 30 hours to make.
Saddlery
Each camel is fitted with its own saddle to sit comfortably on its hump.
Saddles
Next to the saddlery, a rustic looking building houses a fully restored Cobb and Co stagecoach, 12 seater wagon and 3 seater buggy. This is the "Staging Post" and contains a history display with images and artefacts.
The Old Windmill was donated by the Curtin Springs Station. This windmill originally supplied the Curtin Springs homestead with water for 40 years before it was replaced with an electric water pump.
Old Windmill
The General Store is your place to pick up a unique range of camel souvenirs, bush tucker condiments, books and photography.
Uluru Camel Tours was founded in 1998 and has grown to be the largest working camel farm in Australia. 60 working camels call this farm home and the majority have been rescued and trained by Chris.
The Sunrise Camel Experience costs $132. Uluru Camel Tours also offers an Express Camel Experience for $80 and the Sunset Camel Experience, also for $132. All tours include complimentary hotel transfers.
