Fibre of the Gods

Originally from South America, this beautiful and intelligent creature was said to have been created by Inti, the Sun God, as a reward to the Inca people of Peru. Highly sought after, yet in short supply, alpaca fleece was in legend reserved for the exclusive use of the Peruvian royal family.

The commercial importation of alpaca animals into Australia commenced nearly twenty years ago. Today the population is approximately 85,000, which is the largest registered population outside of South America. Alpaca fleece is however relatively rare, when compared to the one hundred million sheep in Australia. On a global scale, alpaca fleece is less than one quarter of one percent to that of sheep's wool production.

Alpaca are an enchanting animal, whose fleece is of outstanding quality and in demand for fashion and home wares throughout the world. Natural and clean, alpaca fleece is grown in 22 natural colours ranging from pure white to jet black.

Alpaca in Australia

There are 2,300 registered alpaca breeders in Australia and an average animal will yield approximately three to four kilograms of fleece of various fineness and quality. Alpacas are bred throughout Australia and live between fifteen to twenty years and stand about one meter high at the wither, with a long and graceful neck with a thick lustrous fleece all over their body.

Alpacas have adapted very well to Australian conditions and their population is expanding rapidly despite their long gestation period of twelve months. They are a very clean animal, do not attract parasites and unlike sheep do not require chemical drenching and are very gentle on pastures with their soft padded foot.