Thousands of camels were imported into Australia between 1840 and 1907 to open up the arid areas of central and western Australia. They were used for riding, and as draught and pack animals for exploration and construction of rail and telegraph lines. They were also used to supply goods to remote mines and settlements.

Many different types and breeds of camels were brought into Australia, but most were from India. They included the large, fleece-bearing, two-humped Bactrian camel of China and Mongolia, the elite Bishari and Bikaneri riding camels of Arabia, and the powerful, freight-carrying lowland Indian camels, capable of moving huge loads of up to 800 kilograms. The feral camels found in Australia are a meld of these breeds.

In the 1920s, there were an estimated 20,000 domesticated camels, but by 1930, with the advent of rail and motor transport, they were no longer needed and many were released into the bush. Well suited to the Australian deserts, these feral camels bred prolifically, spreading across arid and semi-arid areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, and into parts of Queensland.

The increasing numbers of feral camels are a cause for concern as they are the only large browser in Australia.

Camels are now exported from Australia!