A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAMEL & RACING

The camel was introduced to Australia in the latter half of the 1800s and was used extensively for exploration purposes and as a pack animal. Following the advent of more modern transport such as road and rail, the camels were released into the wild by their owners and left to their own devices.

By 1895 the camel population had increased to approximately 6,000 head and today the population is estimated at up to 150,000 animals.

Camel racing in Australia began on a regular basis as picnic meetings back in the early part of this century at various outback towns and locations and in recent years has the first major race was held at Alice Springs in 1971. The initial Albury camel races were held in 1996 and in 1997 saw a crowd of around 10,000 people. 1998 saw the initial camel race meeting at Leeton in N.S.W. an. event that attracted a crowd in excess of 10,000.  

Popularity of the events and prize money for races has increased considerably with a circuit that is now worth over $100,000.00 a year. There are fourteen race meetings now scheduled throughout Australia with the highest prize pool being at Boulia Qld of $30,000.00 for the 1999 season.

Camel racing in Australia is now becoming a cohesive effort on the part of the majority of states. Now is an opportune time to become part of this exciting sport.

For Further information in regard to A.C.R.A.

email sas@netcam.com.au

or contact:

The Webmaster ACRA P.O. Box 290 Camperdown Vic 3260 Australia.