In the quaint town of Launceston, nestled in the northern reaches of Tasmania, locals were treated to a scene that could have been plucked straight from a children's storybook.

But this was no fictional tale—it was a real-life encounter with a brown alpaca that decided to take a leisurely stroll through the local Centrelink office, leaving a trail of giggles and bemused smiles in its wake.

The alpaca, adorned with a harness, was spotted on a Tuesday, turning the government agency into an impromptu petting zoo.

The sight of the farm animal ambling about the Centrelink shopfront was so unexpected that it sparked a range of reactions, from astonishment to joy.

An alpaca has become a delight in a Centrelink office. Credit: @timradarfranklin / TikTok

A video captured from within the Centrelink walls showed a young child, eyes wide with wonder, taking a keen interest in the alpaca before a watchful parent quickly guided her to safety.

Meanwhile, the alpaca, with the poise of a seasoned visitor, continues its journey towards the exit, unfazed by the attention it's garnering.

Earlier in the day, the alpaca was seen lounging on a blanket, patiently waiting as its handler queued up to speak with Centrelink staff.

The surrounding crowd couldn't help but chuckle at the surreal sight.

'Centrelink is such a wild place, hey,' quipped one Aussie on social media.

But the Centrelink office wasn't the only stop on this alpaca's unconventional tour of Launceston.

A second video revealed the animal making a cameo in Kmart, where both staff and the handler carried on as though escorting an alpaca through the aisles was just another day at the office.

'I can't believe there's an alpaca inside,' exclaimed a voice, likely echoing the thoughts of many onlookers.

The alpaca's adventures didn't end there; it reportedly made appearances at Woolworths and even Hungry Jack's, much to the delight of the townsfolk.

It seems this alpaca is no stranger to the community, with several residents claiming to have spotted it around town on various occasions.

'This alpaca gets better days out than I do,' joked one local, while others humorously speculated that it must be an 'emotional support alpaca' to gain entry into so many establishments.

The story of the Centrelink alpaca quickly spread, with the government having yet to respond on the matter.

You can watch the video below:

Credit: @timradarfranklin / TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• Locals in Launceston, Tasmania, were surprised to see a harnessed alpaca inside a Centrelink office.
• The alpaca was also seen visiting a local Kmart, Woolworths, and Hungry Jack's, becoming a familiar sight around town.
• Videos of the alpaca at Centrelink and Kmart were shared online, prompting amusement and conversation among residents.
• Some locals humorously suggested the alpaca might be an 'emotional support alpaca' due to its presence in various stores.

Have you ever encountered an animal in an unexpected place? Share your stories with us in the comments below!

 

[IAN3005]

I hope the child was not in a Centrelink... the last place I would have a child.....

 

[CliffE]

A child in Centrelink..... the only way to get Child Supplement. Show proof!

 

[mylittletibbies]

Can you claim an alpaca as a support animal??
Love alpacas, they're so cute .
You can't take a dog into any of these stores unless it's a support dog so I guess it must be
Interesting

 

[IAN3005]

A child in Centrelink..... the only way to get Child Supplement. Show proof!

Could be someone else's child.... Proof is the birth certificate.....

 

[DLHM]

The alpaca appears to be better behaved than some humans. I’d just hope that it didn’t suddenly need to go for a poo or pee break, unless toilet trained too.

 

[Jo Piper3]

This made me laugh, what a lovely animal.

 

[Clancieblue]

I hope the child was not in a Centrelink... the last place I would have a child.....

So, if you needed to go to Centrelink to help yourself, and live in a car with a child, would you lock the child in the car till you got back?
People in Centerlink are just people and need respect the same as everyone else.

 

[rehandra]

I won't put what I think.

 

[Petra]

I won't put what I think.

I don't think anyone here cares what you think. I certainly don't.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I hope the child was not in a Centrelink... the last place I would have a child.....

I don't think Centrelink have obstetrics and midwifery services....

 

[chinkapook]

Maybe the alpaca wants to go on the pension

 

[Abby2]

Wonder if the Alpaca incident was before hundreds of security guards were funded through a new $314 million Albanese government investment to improve safety at Services Australia

 

[Luckyus]

A child in Centrelink..... the only way to get Child Supplement. Show proof!

I did that in Wellington with my two girls over a council flat, they told me that was nothing available so plonked them on the counter and told them in that case they could look after them? The girls were already in on the ruse so when I walked away, they started carrying on and before I got near the door, Lo and behold they'd find me a two bedroom flat.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Wonder if the Alpaca incident was before hundreds of security guards were funded through a new $314 million Albanese government investment to improve safety at Services Australia

So, the 606 security "people" employed will cost the Australian taxpayer almost $130000 per year each?

Are there any vacancies for such a position? If so, I want one!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I did that in Wellington with my two girls over a council flat, they told me that was nothing available so plonked them on the counter and told them in that case they could look after them? The girls were already in on the ruse so when I walked away, they started carrying on and before I got near the door, Lo and behold they'd find me a two bedroom flat.

It's amazing what reaction you get by feigning the abandonment of children.

When I was a few days old, my Dad took me from the St Margaret's (Crown Street) Women's Hospital in Sydney and went to the nearest pub. Plonked me on the bar and said to the barman "Can you put a head on this?" and left.

Nothing like an old family urban legend!!

 

[PattiB]

The alpaca is a common sight in Launceston & is often about on the rare occasions I venture in. I think I’ve only ever seen it with a male in charge, usually in the mall. I often wonder why the owners have to take it everywhere though. I do love alpacas & often see them on farms guarding the sheep.

 

[Luckyus]

It's amazing what reaction you get by feigning the abandonment of children.

When I was a few days old, my Dad took me from the St Margaret's (Crown Street) Women's Hospital in Sydney and went to the nearest pub. Plonked me on the bar and said to the barman "Can you put a head on this?" and left.

Nothing like an old family urban legend!!

The first time I heard that was it was in a Bro thel?

 

[Leeta069]

Launceston is a city NOT a town!!!

 

[Reet]

I have seen a person with a pet alpaca with a collar and lead walking around in Grafton. When asked about it he said it was his pet. There is also a person at South Grafton who has a pet ferret who is taken for walks with a collar and lead.