Like many regional towns, the Outback community of Boulia is hoping its own unique and unforgettable event will soon bring grey nomads flooding into the area.
The iconic Boulia Camel Races sees the town’s population balloon from 300 to almost 3,000 people eager to enjoy the ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Races’, which includes the prestigious Better Beer Cup, the longest and richest camel race in Australia.
As well as enjoying two days of professional camel racing on the edge of the Simpson Desert, organisers say there is plenty else to appeal to grey nomads … such as music in the evenings, and ‘campfires lit up at every campsite for yarns at the end of each day’.
Also popular with travellers is the chance to meet Charlie, a camel well known for giving visitors affectionate kisses.
Charlie the camel gives a lucky visitor one of his famous kisses. PIC: Boulia Camel Races
Now, a fully-grown eight-year-old, Charlie was rescued as an orphaned four-day old camel after he was found in the National Reserve near Boulia and was bottle fed and raised by local camel trainer, his adopted ‘mum’ Dannileah Stewart.
Charlie apparently looks forward to the annual visit of the grey nomads, and Ms Stewart says it helps people better understand camels when they are able to get up close and personal.
The ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Races’ attracts plenty of interest. PIC: Boulia Camel Races
“I’d like to show people the nice side of them,” she says. “They are not about wanting to spit at you, trample you … yes, they can be dangerous, but you can learn how to approach them and they can be very loving.”
This year, the Boulia Camel Races will be held on July 14-16, and Charlie will be at the yards inside the racetrack in the days leading up to the race day and after the races.
As those who have been to the camel races before will know, getting to Boulia – located approximately four hours west of Winton, four hours north of Birdsville, and four hours south of Mount Isa – is very much an adventure in itself.
Click here to see a list of grey nomad-friendly events across Australia.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
I was unexpectedly kissed by a captive camel at a roadhouse while travelling from Alice Springs to Uluru.
They have surprisingly tender lips, though the sparse prickly hairs tend to detract from the experience a little.