Rex
Ellis runs several camel tours. During the winter months he heads into
the Flinders Ranges for two to five day treks but during the rest of the
year he offers tours of McLaren Vale. There is a wine tasting camel trek
which stops at four wineries. There is one entitled "Take a camel to dinner"
which ends at a local restaurant and there is this one the Onkaparinga
Gorge Camel Trek.
When Rex Ellis talks about
one of life's great experiences, he is talking about having a ride on the
back of a camel. To do this Rex explains we'll
load you up from the rear forward.
The day begins in a paddock in McLaren Flat. Rex Ellis has been working
with camels most of his life and has been operating a tour business for
more than thirty years. He grew up around the McLaren Vale area so he knows
the area like the back of his hand. The
scrub is basically made up of a pink gum , yakkas and there is a vast array
of birds. Picking their way through the
thick bush, Rex likens his camels to ballerinas, but they still often do
some
heavy work. Rex's Onkaparinga Gorge Camel Trek takes almost all day and
costs $80 which includes lunch. The price is the same for the wine tasting
day while the dinner trek is shorter and costs $55. No riding experience
is necessary. There is one person per camel with comfortable sheepskin
padded saddles. The camels are linked together and travel in a string led
by an experienced cameleer. So there is plenty of time to take in the scenery
and enjoy the day.
Onkaparinga Gorge Tour $80
Wine Tour $80
Dinner Trek $55
For more information phone Rex Ellis 08 8543 2280
