🦙 About Alpacas
Discover the gentle, eco-friendly animals at the heart of Iris Lodge.
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🐾 What is an Alpaca?

Alpacas are domesticated camelids native to the Andes Mountains of South America. Bred for their soft fleece, they are smaller than llamas and much more gentle in nature. There are two breeds:

• Huacaya – with fluffy, wool-like fibre

• Suri – with silky, hanging locks

Learn more about our herd here »

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💚 Alpaca Personalities

Alpacas are curious, gentle, and love company—especially yours! They communicate with soft humming sounds and enjoy gentle nose touches and hand-feeding.

Whether confident or shy, each alpaca at Iris Lodge has a personality you'll fall in love with.

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🏡 How We Care for Our Alpacas

At Iris Lodge Alpacas, every alpaca is a cherished pet. We do not breed, milk, or shear for commercial purposes. Instead, we provide:

• Clean, spacious paddocks

• Shade, shelter, and fresh rainwater

• Daily health checks

• Rotational grazing for paddock regeneration

• Nutrient-rich feed and treats for guests to offer

Learn about our sustainability practices here »

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🌱 Why Alpacas Are Special

• Eco-friendly grazers

• Soft padded feet that protect the soil

• Hypoallergenic fleece

• Therapeutic presence, especially for guests with special needs

• Great with kids, families, and groups of all abilities

See our accessibility features »

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Meet the Herd in Person

Whether you’re visiting for Brunch with Alpacas, a Meet & Greet, or part of a school holiday event, we offer memorable animal experiences for every age.

📍 Located in Jilliby, 90 minutes from Sydney
🎟️ Bookings essential – Click here to reserve your visit »

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🧐 Alpacas vs Llamas

Feature                 Alpaca                                  Llama                                   

Size                         Smaller (90cm avg)         Taller (up to 120cm)

Use                          Fibre                                       Pack animal

Temperament     Gentle and shy                   Bold and confident

Ears                          Short, spear-shaped       Long, banana-shaped

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Yes, we have llamas too—and they love attention!

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📈 Why Alpacas Are Trending in Australia

Alpacas are eco-conscious, low-maintenance animals, and increasingly popular for small farms and agritourism. Their sustainable footprint makes them ideal for future-focused experiences.

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🧠 FAQ

Do alpacas spit? Only at each other—very rarely at people.
Are alpacas good with kids? Yes! They're gentle and calm.
What do alpacas eat? Grasses, hay, lucerne, and mineral supplements.
How long do they live? 15–20 years with good care.