Our Story

Marion on the farm

The Alpacas That Changed Everything

Sometimes the best ideas begin completely by accident.

For us, it all started when Marion and Michael decided it was time to swap the traffic and pace of Sydney for something a little quieter. Looking for a lifestyle change, they purchased a property in the beautiful Hunter Valley without really knowing what they were going to do with it.

Marion had grown up on a sheep station in outback Australia, so farm life wasn't new to her. But deciding what animals should call the property home was another matter.

Then came a visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

One look at the alpacas and they were hooked.

They started with just a handful of alpacas, along with a few sheep… although, if we're being honest, the sheep weren't nearly as committed to the plan as we were. They promptly escaped, while the alpacas stayed exactly where they were supposed to. The alpacas won, and they've been part of our family ever since.

We still love spending time with our alpacas every day. Every alpaca has its own personality, and anyone who visits the farm quickly discovers they're far more curious, intelligent and entertaining than people expect.

Charlie, one of our first alpacas.

From One Small Corner Shop

While the alpaca herd was growing, another idea was beginning to take shape.

Marion wanted to share the incredible warmth, softness and quality of alpaca fibre with more Australians. She began selling alpaca products from a small space at the back of her aunt's store in the historic village of Morpeth.

It wasn't long before the little space became too small.

The business expanded into the shop next door, and what started as a tiny family venture gradually grew into what is now Australian Alpaca Barn.

Over the years we've been fortunate enough to open stores across New South Wales, helping thousands of customers discover just how wonderful alpaca really is.

A Family Business Through and Through

In 2010, Sarah joined the business after deciding it was time to leave the corporate world behind.

Together with Marion and Michael, the business continued to grow while always remaining true to the values it was built on—quality products, honest advice and genuine customer service.

Today Australian Alpaca Barn remains proudly family owned and operated.

When you contact us, visit one of our stores or place an order online, you're dealing with a real family that genuinely cares about helping you find the right product.

Sarah on the farm

More Than Just Beautiful Fibre

When we first opened our doors, our focus was on championing Australian-made products created from alpaca fibre grown here in Australia.

As the industry evolved, so did we.

Today we're proud to stock an extensive range of premium alpaca products from Australia, Peru and New Zealand, carefully choosing manufacturers and artisans who share our commitment to quality, ethical production and craftsmanship.

From luxurious knitwear and scarves to Australian-made quilts, blankets, yarn, gifts and homewares, every product is selected because we'd happily use it ourselves.

Why We Love Alpaca

People often walk into one of our stores because they've heard alpaca is soft.

They usually leave talking about much more than that.

Alpaca fibre is incredibly warm without being heavy, naturally breathable, durable and hypoallergenic, making it a wonderful alternative for people who find traditional wool itchy.

And yes… once you've owned your first alpaca jumper or scarf, there's a very good chance you'll be back for another.

We've seen it happen many times.

Still the Same Family, Still the Same Passion

Although Australian Alpaca Barn has grown since those early days, one thing hasn't changed.

We still spend time with our alpacas.

We still believe in offering products that will last for years.

We still love introducing customers to alpaca for the very first time.

And we're still incredibly grateful that a simple visit to the Easter Show all those years ago changed the direction of our lives.  We still go back every year, and have a stall in the alpaca pavilion where it all began.

Who knew a few fluffy animals would end up becoming our life's work?

We certainly didn't.

But we wouldn't have it any other way.

Marion, Michael & Sarah having a Pisco Sour on a trip to Peru