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Camels as transport

Student activities

Task no. 1

Camels as transport

Examine the sources below and answer the below questions:

  1. Use sources 1 to 10 and your own research to create a timeline that shows key events in the use of the camel as a form of transport in Australia.
  2. Why did camels become a popular form of transport in the Australian outback?
  3. How did the use of camels lead to the development of the railway from Adelaide to Alice Springs?
  4. What is the name of the railway from Adelaide to Darwin? Why was it given this name?
  5. What is a 'Ghantown'? Why was it given this name?
  6. In your own words, describe the impact of the camel as a form of transport on the development of Australia.
  7. Where are the camels now? Find out what has happened to them now that they are no longer used for exploration or hauling loads.
View of old Government House - Sydney - N.S.W. as it appeared when vacated by Sir George Gipps in 1845 / painted by G. E. Peacock
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