There are more opportunities to meet alpacas in the Canberra region than you might expect. Photo: Alpaca Magic.
Looking for a day trip with a difference? Want a relaxing day in the country but just a short drive from the city? Or do you just want to learn what the difference between alpacas and llamas is? Here are three places not far from Canberra that will fit the bill, and promise a day out enjoying activities with a difference.
Alpaca Magic is in a fabulous rural location that’s just 20 minutes from Canberra’s north, and the largest llama stud in NSW. You need to make an appointment to visit, or register for one of the numerous workshops.
When it comes to unusual activities, Alpaca Magic has you covered.
- Join a workshop about how to train your alpaca, become an urban farmer, and plenty more
- Enjoy breakfast with the alpacas
- Take a llama for a stroll
- Learn to spin, weave or make felt from alpaca fibre during a craft lesson
- Stock up on fibre and yarn so you can whip up your own marvellous creations
Clearview Alpacas is a showpiece alpaca stud around 10kms past Yass, where you can get a hands-on alpaca experience. It will take you less than an hour to drive from most parts of Canberra and there’s a sealed road all the way to the gate.
Visits are by appointment only, but once you’ve booked, you’ll be able to:
- See and interact with the quiet, gentle alpacas
- View the extensive range of alpaca products that are always on display, like fleece, knitting wool and giftware
- Take a walk around the property and check out the native tree plantings
- Enjoy a free tea, coffee and biscuit
- Bring your own picnic and enjoy the simple picnic facilities on site
Eaglewood near Murrumbateman, under an hour’s drive from Canberra, offers an alpaca experience with a difference. The Bed and Breakfast which is also an alpaca stud is set on 110 acres right in the middle of the cool climate wine district.
If you’re keen on an alpaca experience that’s a little longer than a day trip, book a night or two in a self-contained cottage and you’ll not only enjoy accommodation with a spa built into the deck where you can kick back while taking in amazing views of the Brindabellas or sipping on a cool climate wine, but you can enjoy a tour of the alpaca herd. There’s around 160 to meet and often there will be mums with newly born babies – known as cria – to meet. There are heaps of other animals and a fabulous garden that will delight your senses with roses and lavender.
And as a bonus the cellar door at Shaw Vineyard Estate winery is just a couple of minutes away and Olleyville offers a top spot for a relaxing lunch or dinner. You can read more about dining at Olleyville here.
When to go
Visitors are welcome at Alpaca Magic and Clearview, but booking ahead is required.
Alpaca Magic has a packed calendar of events you can book yourself into.
Have you had an alpaca experience or a llama encounter in the region? Let us know your feedback.
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