Australian feral camels, dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) were Imported from British India and Afghanistan during the 19th century for transport and construction during the colonization of the central and western parts of Australia. Afghan cameleers forged a place in Australia’s history, driving their camel trains through the unforgiving desert climate. Their legacy is evident in Alice Springs today with many local families being direct descendants of those early pioneers. Many camels were released into the wild after motorized transport replaced the use of camels in the early 20th century, resulting in a fast-growing feral population. In later years captured camels were domesticated and became an important part of Central Australian tourism including the Annual Alice Springs Camel Cup. Tourist operators offered outback sunset rides over the Macdonnell Ranges. Pam Stone took the opportunity to ride a camel while visiting Alice Springs to stay with Shane and Josephine Stone.