National Alpaca Week kicks off on May 4th with a host of celebrations including open farm days, Mother’s Day picnics and educational programs for kids.
The week serves to educate, entertain, and bring awareness to the alpaca industry, while promoting the production and use of high-quality alpaca fleece this winter season.
The President of the Australian Alpaca Association Brett Fallon said alpaca farming is a thriving industry, with the unique and curious livestock now well settled into our landscape and considered as a quality alternative natural fibre producer.
“The industry is continuously growing in Australia, specifically with increased demand for the fibre coupled with the inclusive lifestyle benefits for famers. We are keen to introduce more Australians to the benefits of alpaca farming,” Brett said.
“National Alpaca Week has a number of fun-filled events and educational opportunities for families and friends to come together and celebrate this beautiful animal. For those who have never come face-to-face with an alpaca, this is also the perfect time to interact with them and understand their friendly nature.
“Alpaca fleece is one of the softest in the world and people are often surprised by its texture and warmth when they have the chance to feel their fibre. We hope this National Alpaca week gives people the opportunity to experience alpacas, and to fall in love with them as much as we have.”
There are so many events happening across the country. Here are just a few alpaca studs hosting events:
Nocturne Alpacas – Open Farm Day in Buckley – Nocturne Alpacas are opening their gates this National Alpaca Week where guests can meet and greet the alpacas and visit the on-farm alpaca shop. 4-5, 10-12 May 2024, 270 Buckley Road North, Buckley Vic.
Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud – Mother’s Day Treat – Come and “Pat a ‘Paca” and learn about the importance of alpaca fleece at Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud this Mother’s Day. Guests can also bring their own feast to “Lunch with the Alpacas” with plenty of areas across the farm. 10am-3pm, Sunday 12 May 2024, 2276 Lawrence Road, Lower Southgate, Grafton NSW.
Rockleigh Alpacas – Come and see alpacas from a few months to 21 years old. Learn about alpaca fleece: skirting of fleece, fleece testing and feel the softness of the fleece. Learn about genera alpaca health and how to look after them. 4-12 May 2024, Almandine Ranch, 33 Mills Road, Kanmantoo SA. Bookings essential via rockleighalpacas@gmail.com .
MillDuck Alpaca Stud – Picnic with a ‘Paca – bring a packed picnic and dine amongst the alpacas at MillDuck Alpaca Stud while learning all about our fuzzy friends and enjoying educational presentations, shedding light on the facts and involving the broader community in alpaca culture. Buy alpaca products, including scarves and beanies. 10am-4pm, Saturday 11 May 2024, 143 Ford Road, Harcourt North Vic.
This year, Australian Alpaca Association is also focusing their efforts on fleece production and its benefits. They are encouraging Aussies to ‘wear alpaca this Winter’ with clothing garments including socks, scarves and jumpers made using high quality alpaca fleece. The animal’s fibre is in demand by luxury fashion houses around the world with a cashmere-like warmth, soft texture and breathable nature that is perfect for layering up.
Alpaca shops across Australia are growing in popularity, with alpaca fleece socks, gloves, beanies, and sweaters becoming some of the most in demand garments. A selection of alpaca farms feature an on-site shop which will be available to visitors during the week’s various open farm days.
See the Fact Sheet for more about alpacas and the industry.
To see more of what’s happening in your local area this National Alpaca Week or to learn more about alpacas, please visit https://alpaca.asn.au/.
