When early explorers turned their attention to Australia’s arid inland, the weaknesses of horse-based expeditions soon became obvious and the camel became the transport of choice for desert travel. Later, the development of central Australia depended almost entirely on the camel and their Afghan masters for transport and communications.

Likewise in the 1970s, safari operator Rex Ellis also recognised the advantages camels have over the four-wheel-drives of today – allowing self-sufficient parties to get off the beaten tracks and traverse some of the most remote areas on earth. Indeed, some of Rex’s safaris have taken him to places where no European Australians have ever been.

This book recounts some of the more adventurous expeditions he has organised throughout Australia’s desert regions, the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. He also reflects on the experience of running a camel farm and includes some tips on how to break in and handle a wild camel!

This entertaining book will be a delight for those with a passion for the outback and any armchair explorers looking for a journey into one of the last frontiers.