Australian Alpaca Week 2015
This Autumn, families around the country are invited to meet these gentle and fascinating animals up close, learn about their unique ways, and have the opportunity to run their hands through that silky soft fine fleece alpacas wear so well.
Did you know that alpacas usually give birth in the middle of the day? That they are an ancient breed, most closely related to the camel, rather than sheep or goats? That they are particularly suited to the Australian environment and have very “green” credentials?
On almost every Australian country drive, we are now so likely to see so many alpacas, as their popularity continues to grow in terms of both pets and commercial herds. Australia’s 150,000-strong alpaca herd is one of the largest and highest quality in the world.
Individual animals sell from $300 up to $175,000 or more, and their fleece is in demand for high quality textile manufacturing of all kinds. Accomplished young people around the nation are being attracted to start and manage their own herds, becoming expert breeders and handlers of their easy-natured and productive creatures with muppet-like good looks.
Children and families can visit participating studs during Australian Alpaca Week 2-10 May 2015 to learn first hand what all the fuss is about, including the many cria (baby alpaca) just born during the current nursery season.
The South Australian region of the Australian Alpaca Association has a number of members who will be hosting Australian Alpaca Week events.
Alpacas Chaparral
- Deirdre Finlay & Mark Short
- 20027 Spencer Highway, MINLATON
- shorty@alpacaschaparral.com | www.alpacaschaparral.com
- Opening: Sat 2nd May 10am – 4pm, Sun 3rd May 10am – 4pm, Sat 9th May 10am – 4pm, Sun 10th May 10am – 4pm
- Farm visit – walking amongst the mum’s and babies
- Farm shop “The Quechua Connection” will be open with alpaca clothing, home wares & gifts for sale
Yacka Ridge
- Jolyon & Kerry Porter
- 1609 Torrens Valley Road, Birdwood
- info@yackaridge.com | www.yackaridge.com
- Opening: Sat 2nd May 11am – 4pm, Sun 3rd May 11am – 4pm, Sat 9th May 11am – 4pm
We will have a variety of alpacas for sale – pets and guardians, as well as breeding females. Halter training demonstrations, and a display of example alpaca products. A variety of fleeces for sale.
Plenty of no-obligation information and advice.
The Hermitage Alpacas
- John & Kathryn Holzberger
- 360 Lower Hermitage Road, Lower Hermitage
- jkholzberger@gmail.com | www.hermitagealpacas.com.au
- Opening: Sun 3rd May 10am – 4pm
- Have your photo taken with an alpaca
- Very tame, friendly alpacas to pat and feed
- Wide selection of alpacas for sale to suit all price ranges
- From reasonably priced starter packs to elite, export quality females and stud males
- Many bred from world’s Champion sires
- Alpaca fleeces and yarn available
- Personalised advice and total support
Shandara Alpacas
- Lyn & Nick De Bruyn
- 153A Murray Rd, Inglewood
- shandara@westnet.com.au
- Opening: Sat 9th May 10am – 4pm
- Meet & greet the animals including crias
- Overview of the alpaca industry
- Display of alpaca products
- Promotion of AAA membership
Serenidad Alpacas
- Rex & Norma Keily
- 775 Old Bull Creek Road, Strathalbyn
- rnkeily@activ8.net.au | www.serenidadalpacas.com.au
- Opening: Sat 9th May 11am – 4.30pm
- Alpaca care and husbandry
- Fleece information and sales
- Alpacas for sale
- Cria viewing
For more information or to find an open farm near you visit the Australian Alpaca Association website.
What: Australian Alpaca Week 2015
When: 2-10 May 2015 (over two weekends)
Where: Alpaca Studs and Farms throughout Australia | Free Entry
Who: Everyone
Top image from the Australian Alpaca Association Facebook page. Other images supplied.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
