Number 8 Map 1A Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail maps
From the moment I spied the red combi van parked close to an old train carriage I knew that this was going to be fun! And I hadn't even seen the alpacas yet!
Debbie Redelman purchased this property 5 years ago. Located in Kurrajong Heights and bordered by the Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks, she and her husband had holidayed here as a couple and then with their family. Knowing that she wanted to combine her love of animals with a business, she offered to purchase the property when the owners let her know it was for sale.
Initially Debbie had thought she would raise goats. That was until she spent some time with alpacas at a Royal Easter Show in Sydney. Her love for these gentle animals was instant and after an initial purchase of 2 alpacas, she now runs a herd of over 70.
Madison's Mountain Retreat offers simple, extremely comfortable accommodation in a number of cottages and old , refurbished rail carriages. When I asked Debbie what the main purpose of owning the alpacas was her answer was very direct.
"Some would raise alpacas for their fleece and others for their guarding ability. I raise alpacas as a tourist attraction. The babies (crias) are a major drawcard."
The girls
the greedy alpaca....
...placated with food!
We spent a long time with the alpacas. They are, unexpectedly, very quiet and restful animals to be around! Other than an extraordinary noise which emanated from a greedy alpaca's throat, demanding to be fed, they gathered around us almost silently. Their fleece is beautifully soft and lanolin free and their faces are full of expression. The mothers are pregnant for 11 1/2 months and their labours are short and always during daylight hours. Visitors might be lucky enough to witness a mother giving birth because of this!
The boys
a male alpaca on guard duty...
This week is National Alpaca Week. Madison's Mountain Retreat has organised a number of demonstrations at the property to mark the week. Further details can be found at their website...
Madison's Mountain Retreat
1880 Bells Line of Road
Kurrajong Heights
02 4567 7398
Please visit the Hawkesbury Harvest website.
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