Australian Alpaca Association’s annual National Alpaca Week is back, inviting Australians to step onto farms, meet some of the country’s most charming livestock, and discover a growing agricultural industry that blends sustainability with luxury.
Running from 2 to 10 May, the 36th annual celebration shines a spotlight on alpaca farmers across the country, with open days, fleece demonstrations and hands-on experiences designed to bring the public closer to the animals and the people behind the industry.
Among those opening their gates is Waygungurry Alpaca Stud at Lower Southgate in northern New South Wales, where owners Pauline and Colin Glasser are once again hosting their much-loved Mother’s Day Open Day.
For Pauline, the day is all about creating a welcoming, down-to-earth experience.
“It’s a relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful view,” Pauline said.
“Guests can set up in the paddock, with alpacas nearby ready for feeding, and we offer a free Devonshire tea along with a regional alpaca shop,” she said.
Visitors can expect more than just a scenic outing, with opportunities to feed alpacas, learn about fibre and products, and speak directly with breeders.
“It’s about experiencing the animals and understanding what we do,” she said.
Donations on the day will support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Pauline’s journey into alpaca farming began decades ago with a simple moment of curiosity.
“We first saw alpacas at the Royal Sydney Show about 40 years ago and just loved them,” Pauline said.
“We said, ‘one day we’ll have some of those’, and when the opportunity came up for my husband’s 50th birthday, we started with two… and then you buy a herd.”
Today, their property overlooking the Clarence River is home to around 40 alpacas, and the couple has been opening their farm to the public during National Alpaca Week for the past 15 years.
“It’s a lifestyle,” Pauline said. “It depends what you want it to be, but for us, it’s something we genuinely love,” she said.
Alpacas are increasingly recognised as a versatile and sustainable livestock option. With more than 160,000 registered animals nationwide, Australia is home to one of the largest alpaca populations in the world, and the industry continues to grow in both scale and reputation. They are efficient, low-impact grazers, require relatively little water, and produce a soft, luxurious fleece that sits alongside cashmere and superfine merino at the top end of the global natural fibre market. With more than 16 natural colour variations, alpaca fibre often requires little to no chemical processing, making it increasingly attractive to sustainable fashion markets.
“They’re friendly, easy to handle livestock,” Pauline said. “And people are always surprised by how quiet they are, how soft they feel, and the size of their eyes,” she said. Despite their gentle reputation, alpacas are often misunderstood.
“Everyone thinks they all spit or that they’re llamas,” she said. “They do spit, but usually at each other, not people,” she said.
At Waygungurry, Pauline and Colin embrace a “gate to garment” approach, producing fibre that is spun, dyed and transformed into scarves, jumpers and socks.
“It’s about value-adding to what you produce,” Pauline said.
Among the herd, one alpaca holds a special place in her heart. “Lady Vanilla was bottle-fed and now has her own family,” she said.
The farm is a family-friendly destination, particularly on Mother’s Day, when visitors can enjoy the cooler autumn weather and, often, the sight of young cria.
“It’s a nice time of year, and many farms have babies,” Pauline said. “That makes it extra special,” she said.
While the alpaca industry continues to expand, supported by strong export demand and a welcoming community, Pauline is realistic about its role.
“It’s not necessarily a big money-maker,” she said. “But it’s a wonderful lifestyle, and if you’re prepared to put in the work, it can be very rewarding,” she said.
Her advice for newcomers is simple. “Talk to breeders, visit farms, and do an introductory course,” she said. “The alpaca community is always willing to help.”
National Alpaca Week is not just about the animals, it’s about celebrating the farmers, producers and communities behind them. From their soft fleece to their sustainable farming benefits, alpacas are carving out a unique place in Australia’s agricultural landscape.
And for Pauline and Colin, opening their gates each year is about sharing that story. “It’s Mother’s Day, and the weather is beautiful. There’s no better time to come out and visit.”
We’re celebrating all kinds of things made right here on the North Coast. You and your creations can be part of it! All you need to do is fill in the form here and we’ll profile your business for free! Really.
Read more North Coast Created stories here.