Vintage Photos of Afghan Camel Drivers in Queensland, Australia_Au Memories

European exploration and settlement of inland Australia depended heavily on the expertise of Muslim cameleers from Afghanistan and British India. During the late 19th century their network of transport routes opened up the arid interior, and they were often seen working through the interior parts of Queensland. The women in the Queensland outback looked forward to a visit from the Afghan camelleers and hawkers.

Camel driver and a caravan of camels

Afghan cameleer escorts Mrs Walter Lawrence Silver on the wallaby track, ca. 1904

Afghan Emeute at Richmond, ca. 1907

Camel team coming over to Birdsville led by the camel driver, ca. 1926

Hughenden district

Bourke and Cunnamulla, 1890s

Boulia, 1890s

Cloncurry, ca. 1904

Canobie Station, ca. 1895