John Arthur Elliott arrives in Hobart as part of mammoth journey around Australia with camels

Did you see camels crossing the Tasman Bridge this morning, or in the Hobart CBD afterwards? Here’s the reason why.

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DID you see camels going across the Tasman Bridge or the streets of Hobart this morning? Here’s the reason why.

John Arthur Elliott is travelling the country with his five camels as part of an Australia-wide adventure spanning thousands of kilometres.

They crossed the Tasman Bridge this morning about 6am, before stopping briefly in Salamanca Square and continuing the journey to the Hobart Showgrounds.

John Elliott crosses the Tasman Bridge with his five camels on Sunday morning. Picture: Nick Jaffe.

Mr Elliott said it was a spectacular entrance to Hobart.

He told the Mercury while the traffic was light, he was passed by a handful of motorists curious to know what was going on.

“It was either a confused look or a very happy face,’’ he said with a laugh.

“It always makes you a little bit nervous — the camels were wild three years ago — and you are essentially taking five animals where there is no plan B and once you’re on, forward is the only option.

“They’ve travelled about 4100km so far, on a lot of roads and highways so they’re seasoned.”

Half way across the bridge, police arrived to escort them the rest of the way.

John Elliott crosses the Tasman Bridge with his five camels on Sunday morning. Picture: Nick Jaffe.

Mr Elliott explained the reason for his mammoth journey, saying he had a well-paid career as the CEO of a finance company, a nice car, “fancy” house and “all the trimmings”, but was searching for something different.

“I was originally a businessman from over in Perth, and every decision I was making in life was based around a financial decision,’’ he said.

“I thought there was more to life and I wanted to chase a bit of adventure and when someone mentioned camels at dinner one night, something clicked.

“The next day I googled ‘how do you buy a camel?’ and the journey took off.”

Mr Elliott said he begun the process of training the animals and worked out what they could carry, and has since developed a connection with them.

John Elliott crosses the Tasman Bridge with his five camels on Sunday morning. Picture: Nick Jaffe

He started his journey in April last year from North Queensland, which will include every Australian state and territory, finishing up by the end of 2021.

He will spend Christmas and the new year in Tasmania and return to the mainland towards the end of January.

Mr Elliott said he had been welcomed with open arms by communities throughout his travels.

“Above and beyond has been the reception,’’ he said.

“I’ve visited a lot of schools, nursing homes and communities along the way and people are coming out with food, beer, a place to stay, especially in Tasmania.”

He has spent 95 per cent of nights sleeping in his swag.

And Mr Elliott has also shared an important health message, saying a health check up prior to his journey detected a stage one melanoma in the centre of his back.

“If I wasn’t doing the trip, I wouldn’t have discovered it,’’ he said.

He encouraged people to get an annual skin check and support the charity Beard Season, an initiative which champions the early detection of melanoma.

To donate to that cause, visit johnelliott.com.au

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