Tags
australia, Brisbane, camel milk, Camels, Ipswich, Photography, Scenic Rim, Summerland Camel Farm, travel
About a 45 minute drive south west from Brisbane in the beautiful Scenic Rim is the Summerland Camel Farm at Harrisville.
When we arrived at the Camel farm there were camels everywhere standing directly in front of beautiful mountains and landscapes in this very pretty location. It clearly was a very peaceful home for these graceful creatures.
After a quick visit to the farm house and café we met up with Jeff the director who took us on a guided tour of the farm, the camels and the dairy operation. It was so enjoyable learning about the history of this amazingly successful venture from such a passionate and knowledgeable person. I truly was not aware of how beneficial these lovely creatures are. These very inquisitive and friendly animals were comfortable with us getting up close to them. It was a very hot day when we were there however with the trees and breeze it was surprisingly very pleasant and very interesting to learn that camels are so clean that there were no flies.
The owners have over 30 years of experience in biodynamic holistic farming techniques and land regeneration to build a resilient farm eco-system without the use of chemicals, insecticides or pesticides. They care for their camels with world first low stress handling techniques to minimise stress, ensure the herd structure is respected and the mother and calf bond is maintained throughout. Their herd is loved and nurtured by a team lead by one of the world’s leading Camel Veterinarians using holistic health care techniques. Most of their camels are brought in from the wild in Central Australia, where they would otherwise be inhumanely culled.
After our tour, which I could have enjoyed for much longer, we returned to the lovely country farm house which overlooks the camel paddocks and Flinders Range in the Distance. This is where we sampled the camel milk which was really pleasant and has so many incredible benefits. We learned that Camel milk is harder to harvest than cow’s milk, however it has properties worth the price, which is about 9 times what you pay for cow’s milk at the supermarket.
They are also producing cheese, Camel milk skin and hair care products, and Gelato which is simply scrumptious. I left there with some of their delicious camel milk and feta cheese.
Up until this day I always thought that Camels originally came from the middle east or even Africa. Do you know where they actually originated? Unless you already know, you will be surprised.
Canada!!!
A visit to Summerland Camel farm was a fantastic way to spend a day out. All you could ever want to know about Camels, camel farming and the products that are produced from their milk you will learn here. This is an experience that I could recommend to everyone and anyone.
Fascinating. What a great day out.
It was truly great cause I did not expect it to be so good. Thanks Lyn
Very cool!
It was, thank you Lyn
I had no idea it existed. Will definitely be visiting. Love camels. Thanks so much
Hey Donna, great day out. The guys that own and run this farm are an asset to Australia, What an amazing place. thanks xx
Sounds so interesting! Thanks Lyn.
Hi Georgie, it was a surprising wonderful experience. Thanks, Lyn
Interesting. I never knew that camels came from my country. I see they moved on when humans arrived. I think it may have been the snow. Allan
I know, we were all surprised. Also surprised at how lovely these animals are. Thanks Lyn
Canada? I would never had thought that. Well, Canada is the home of more perculiar things of course, like for instance the Mounty. ;-) Seriously: Camels are cool! (Ehm wait… desert… hmm) I hope you will enjoy the milk and the feta!
Yes Peter, it was a surprise to everyone. And yes, they are cool. I enjoyed the feta, I am not a milk drinker but camel milk has many amazing benefits. Thanks, Lyn
Great post – very interesting! :) I knew about the ancient camel remains found in the Arctic. So amazing.
Thanks Lynette, I really enjoyed the entire experience and was surprised at how much I like the camels. Great day. Lyn
Amazing! Who would have thought camels originated in Canada!
I know Linda, everyone was surprised. Almost hard to believe hey. Lyn x
Camel milk! So interesting! This really looks like a fun and informative experience.
The milk is very white and very similar to cow’s milk but no lactose and many good benefits. Thanks Lyn
That’s good that it tastes like cow’s milk heheh. Who would have thought camels are originally from canada. Great trivia Lyn.
Very interesting Lyn. They are creatures we don’t know much about but I found in the Sahara Desert, they have very worthwhile uses.
Yes, Gail, although I rode one many years ago I have never had any other contact with them. I actually really like them. Thanks Lyn
I’ll be ding-danged. Camels originally from Canada. Interesting indeed.
I love that expression, never heard it before. Yeah, I was ding-danged also. Amazing and amazing creatures. Thanks Karina.Lyn
Loved this post Lyn.
Thanks Sue. I am pleasantly surprised how many people have made such great comments. It was a very fun and unique experience. Lyn
No flies and an ice cream is a winning activity for me. Interesting post Lyn!
Thanks Suzanne, I so agree. Interesting day. Lyn
This looks like a really good day out. It’s always great when something surpasses expectations!
I could recommend it to anyone, thanks Lyn
Great post.
What’s as fascinating is the reason why Australia has camels – and so many of them in the outback…
As for the milk, it is surprisingly good indeed and safe all lactose intolerant people and those with dairy protein allergies. And low calorie/cholesterol, it makes the ice cream so light.
Hope one day you get to visit our camel farms here in Dubai.
Thanks Fred, I would like to visit your camel farms in Dubai. It is interesting to learn how good the milk is for us humans. Lyn
This interesting post reminds me of riding a camel once when I was an exchange student in Australia. It was an exciting experience for me.
Thanks for the post. I’d like to try camel milk.
The milk is very pleasant and very white with amazing benefits. Thanks Panar, Lyn
I rode on a camel once. I found it much easier than I thought it would be.
I did also about 30 years ago. They really are sweet animals. Thanks, Lyn
I had no idea that camels come from Canada…and yet they aren’t used their like they are in the middle east. I thought that camel use is very old. So did camels come from the native tribes in Canada, over the Bering strait perhaps. And I’d not heard of commercial camel milk or products made from it. Very informative article!
Thanks Katelon, I found the entire experience fascinating and very informative. Lyn
Thank you Lyn for this story I did see something about it on great day out show not long ago but your story was much more interesting. Great photos as always. 💜💜
Thanks Leah, it was so much better than I expected, in fact, a great day out. 💜💜
I’m a huge fan of the farms that use the non pesticide, holistic style approaches. We’ve lost so many honey bees here due to crop spraying of the farms around our town. Sad but your post gives much hope :)
Yes, me too. I encourage the bees in my own gardens. They are getting fewer though here in Brisbane. Thanks for your comment. Lyn
Those Camels must have patience to give a ride to bunch of people. 😛☺
I guess so. They have been doing it for years so I guess patience is in their genes. Thanks, lyn