The Southern Highlands is fast emerging as one of Australia’s key Alpaca destinations with the introduction of a unique new farm tourism experience at Birrong – Suri Alpaca stud. Suri Alpacas is located at Canyonleigh in the picturesque western region of the Southern Highlands of NSW.
Owners Fiona and Ian Vanderbeek will open their Suri Alpaca stud farm this October Long Weekend to locals and visitors. Fiona said “we have been carefully planning and developing our entry into tourism with the support of Tourism Southern Highlands. It has taken us 7 years to establish our award winning herd and property. Our 1½ hour working farm tour will give visitors an op portunity to learn all about our suris, enjoy a walk around our farm set in a beautiful secluded valley over looking the southern end of the Blue Mountains and get up close to plenty of suri including baby alpacas (cria). It is especially a great family day out.”
The suri is a member of the alpaca family producing rare and exotic fibre, used to produce some of the most luxurious yarns and fabrics in the world. Products made from Birrong Suri Alpaca fibre, such as scarfs, gloves, shawls and yarns are now on show and available from the Mittagong Visitor Information Centre.
Tourism Southern Highlands, Executive Manager, Steve Rosa said “we are excited to see this new tourism product become available as it compliments our agritourism strategy to develop and position the Southern Highlands as a region that can provide leisure tourists with unique farm experiences whilst also providing special interest groups with the opportunity to undertake educational and technical tours.”
To get close up with the 80 plus cheeky, friendly and dreadlock looking white suris at the Birrong Suri Alpaca Stud advance bookings are essential and must be made through Tourism Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre at Mittagong on tel 4871 2888 or online www.southern-highlands.com.au.
For more information about Birrong Suri Alpacas visit their website www.birrongsurialpacas.com.au or call them on 02 4878 9310
