After more than a decade Argyle Park is now well-developed as a show-piece alpaca stud, able to welcome visitors interested in a 'hands-on' experience with the alpacas. There are around 150 alpacas and 50 fine-wool merino sheep on the property.

Weanlings joyfully 'pronking'

Especially attractive to visitors of all ages are the endearing alpaca babies. Called 'cria', the infant alpaca is quite advanced after its long gestation of nearly 12 months, and is usually up and skipping around shortly after birth. Interestingly, birthing almost invariably occurs after daylight during the morning. (Wouldn't it be handy if humans could do this!) This characteristic appears to be genetically ingrained, as in the extremely cold night-time temperatures of their high Andes homeland the cria would probably die if exposed while wet. Alpacas don't lick dry their newborn cria, which also usually has a transparent membrane that quickly dries and hardens to form a clever protective 'coat' against chilly winds while its short fleecy coat dries.

While concentrating on white fleeces to meet customer and processing preferences, Clearview Alpacas also aims to reproduce the extraordinary natural colours that are unique to this animal. These range from the popular white and light fawn through the darker fawns, browns and greys to the only true black commercial natural fibre. Visitors can feel for themselves how garments made without dyeing retain a wonderful softer and more luxurious feel.

Active in support of local Landcare, we've used a tree seeder to very good effect since 1998. We've sowed the 'Boorowa mix' of some 40 native tree species from John Wetherstone of Gunning along some 10km of tree-lines fenced off along several gullies on the property. This has resulted in many tens of thousands of eucalypts, wattles and native shrubs now 3-6 meters high that are transforming the habitat for many bird species at Argyle Park. We're especially delighted to see the beautiful Superb Parrots regularly visiting in the late afternoons during Spring and Summer, joining the numerous Crimson and Eastern Rosellas on the property. And in 2007 our native tree plantations were accepted into the Federal ‘CarbonSmart’ carbon capture scheme, which will provide a small annual payment in return for our contribution to carbon sequestration.

Ilana at 3 months old

Only 5 km from the Hume Highway and just 10 km from historic Yass's picturesque old hotels and modern motels, Argyle Park has sealed road access to the front gate. The property is only 40 minutes drive from Canberra, 3 hours from Sydney and 5 hours from Melbourne.

Visitors by car or tour bus are welcome to see the quiet and gentle alpacas, feel the fleece and many alpaca products always on display, enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee, and take a walk to see some of the many native tree plantings. The walks are easy for children, and can be as short as a hundred meters up to a kilometer or so. Simple picnic facilities are also available, and the whole property is suitable for horse riding for those who would like to bring their own mounts.

There is reasonable access for disabled persons to the nearer attractions - though the toilet is difficult for wheelchairs.
The Clearview Alpaca shop opens from September 2008, displaying a good range of alpaca products, including knitting wool spun from Clearview’s own alpacas and our photo cards illustrating Clearview alpacas – as well as beautiful photograph cards showing local bird life by acclaimed Canberra photographer Helen Fallow, a frequent visitor to Argyle Park.
(Visit the Australian Alpaca Fleece Ltd website at www.aafl.com.au to see an extensive illustrated catalogue of products made from alpaca fleece available for purchase ‘on-line’.)

Tourist Visit Fees

$15/car. Tour buses: $4.50/passenger. Complimentary tea and coffee. 

All visits are by appointment, except during our advertised free open days. Please ring 02 6227 6147 or use our Contact Us form.