Today, Australia is home to one of the largest populations of feral camels, estimated to be over a million, making them both a curious and sometimes challenging part of the landscape. 

Australia’s camels might seem like an odd sight on the continent, but these hoofed travelers have a fascinating backstory. During the 19th century, when explorers and settlers were pushing into Australia’s arid inland, they realized they needed a strong, resilient mode of transport. Camels, perfectly suited for desert climates, were the answer. Between the 1840s and 1907, thousands of camels (mostly of the dromedary, or one-humped, variety) were imported, primarily from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Along with these camels came skilled handlers, often referred to as Afghan cameleers, who became essential guides across the rugged terrain.

As railways and motorized vehicles transformed transportation, camels gradually fell out of favor. Many were set free, where they adapted effortlessly to the Outback’s desert terrain, thriving in their new environment.

Today, these feral camels roam Australia’s wilderness, leaving a distinct mark on the landscape. They have grown into one of the largest wild camel populations in the world. While they occasionally present environmental challenges, they remain a living legacy of Australia’s pioneering days—a unique chapter of history still etched into the continent’s vast, red deserts.