A message from Outback Camel Company owner Andrew Harper

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Since 1976, long before my involvement with camels, the Outback Camel Company has been offering people the chance to explore Australia’s vast deserts through commercial treks and expeditions.

In 2000, I purchased the business from pioneering outback legend Rex Ellis. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of exploring all of this country’s great deserts including the Gibson, Great Victoria, Little Sandy, Great Sandy, and Simpson Deserts. We’ve focused on walking in the larger, more remote areas, including sections of the Sturt Stony and Strzelecki Deserts in 2024 when access to the Simpson Desert was blocked by floodwaters.

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Over the course of these many expeditions, I realized that trekkers were seeking a more enriched, educational experience. Inspired by this, in 2007 I founded Australian Desert Expeditions (ADE), a Registered Environmental Organisation dedicated to conducting scientific and ecological surveys across these remarkable landscapes.

By joining an ADE survey, trekkers gain more than just an unforgettable journey, as they have the opportunity to learn about the desert’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity directly from leading desert ecologists. This deeper connection to the land adds a whole new dimension to their desert experience.

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In 2024, we introduced a new, all-encompassing brand: Great Desert Walks. This initiative is designed to inspire bushwalking enthusiasts and let them know that whether they join us on a camel trek or participate in an ADE Walk With Purpose survey, they can explore Australia’s remote deserts on journeys led by professional guides, offering a completely unique adventure.

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And by the way: don’t worry about the heavy lifting! Our camels will carry all your gear.

So, if you’re looking to expand your bushwalking horizons in 2025, come join us on a Great Desert Walk and experience the true heart of Australia’s wilderness.

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Andrew Harper OAM FRGS

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