Imagine this: you're nestled in your caravan, the stars twinkling above the vast Australian outback, the red earth beneath you, and the gentle hum of nature's nocturnal life lulling you into a sense of serene isolation. It's the kind of peace that many over 60s, like Perth man Michael Lennon, 77, and his wife, seek out in their extensive travels across the country. But sometimes, the outback has other plans, and tranquility can turn to terror in a heartbeat.

Michael Lennon's shock encounter at an outback campsite is a stark reminder that the Australian wilderness is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. While stationed at Curtin Springs in the Northern Territory, a place that has become a familiar base for them and many others, the Lennons experienced an event that would leave them and their fellow campers in disbelief.



As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the campsite, a sudden commotion shattered the evening calm. From the scrub behind them, a thunderous noise erupted, and within moments, a herd of camels came barreling past, just metres away from where the Lennons had set up camp. The ground shook beneath their feet, and the sound of hooves pounding the earth was enough to send a ripple of panic through the campsite.


The campers, numbering at least 50, emerged from their caravans and motorhomes, drawn by the cacophony to witness the spectacle. There, in the fading light, they watched in a mix of awe and fear as the camels charged through the bush, their silhouettes briefly illuminated before disappearing into the wilderness once more.



The encounter was over as quickly as it began, leaving those who witnessed it to wonder if it had been real at all. But this wasn't an isolated incident. Australia's outback is home to over one million feral camels, and their population is estimated to double every nine years, according to the Northern Territory government. These creatures, introduced in the 19th century and now running wild, are a common sight in the more remote regions of the country, but rarely do they make such a dramatic entrance.

For Michael Lennon, who has seen his fair share of Australian wildlife and even had close calls with bushfires, this was an unprecedented event. 'On our travels, we've seen camels in paddocks and even one time on the road... but nothing like this,' he recounted.

Such encounters serve as a reminder of the untamed nature of the Australian outback. It's a place where the line between adventure and danger is as thin as the fence that separated the Lennons from the thundering herd. For those of us who have spent a lifetime exploring this great land, stories like these are a testament to the wild heart of Australia that beats just beyond the boundaries of our campsites.



So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, as you plan your next caravan adventure, remember that the outback is full of surprises. Always be prepared, stay aware of your surroundings, and perhaps most importantly, respect the wildlife that calls this rugged landscape home.


Have you ever had a close encounter with Australia's wildlife on your travels? We'd love to hear your stories. Share them in the comments below, and let's swap tales of the unexpected twists and turns that make exploring our country an adventure like no other.