ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionCamel saddle dating to the 19th century, created from wood and metals, with decorative Indian designs. From 1840-1907 up to 20,000 one humped (dromedary) camels were imported into Australia, also bringing many cameleers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Camels were used for transport, exploration, meat, milk and wool. In Western Australia camels were valuable for journeying to the interior, and the Goldfields. CollectionTransport collectionDate createdc1890Materialswood, brassHistorical details
Star Swamp was a watering place for cattle and camels, especially during the long journey along the North Stock Route to Geraldton or into the Goldfields. A camel quarantine station was said to be associated with the Hamersley family property in North Beach, and an oral history of the area has suggested an Afghan cameleer was buried at the top of Mt Flora.
