Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Mornington Peninsula hinterland, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne via the Monash, Moorooduc Freeways, Eastlink, Peninsula Link, or the scenic Nepean Highway, lies Pitchingga Ridge Alpacas.
Jean and David Daddo own this 25-acre slice of paradise, surrounded by protected bushland and home to an array of wildlife including koalas, wallabies, echidnas, magpies, and kookaburras. Not to mention their beloved pet kelpie, ducks, geese, and ninety-odd alpacas.
In 1995, seeking a new lifestyle, Jean and David moved to Red Hill with two female alpacas they had been agisting in Dandenong. They quickly immersed themselves in the alpaca business, attending workshops and leveraging Jean’s background in biological sciences to ensure optimal grass, soil, and animal genetics. The mineral-rich land of Red Hill provides the perfect grazing ground for their alpacas, which enjoy nutritious herbs like plantain and chicory.
Thus, Pitchingga Ridge Alpacas was born. The name ‘Pitchingga’ comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘gum of a tree,’ referencing a significant gum tree on the property. It’s one of five registered alpaca breeding farms in the hinterland. Alpacas, domesticated animals from South America, are intelligent and full of personality. Each of the 90 alpacas on the farm has its own unique character, making life at Pitchingga Ridge lively and engaging. Jean, with her experience as a schoolteacher, finds this particularly rewarding.
Their kelpie Abby gets along with all the alpacas except Robbie, one of the stud males who isn’t fond of dogs. Alpacas are generally watchful and warm animals. When Jean handles a newborn, the mother often rests her head on Jean’s, as if gently reminding her to be careful. Jean is deeply maternal toward the animals and tries to be present for births to ensure everything goes smoothly. Predicting births can be tricky, with pregnancies ranging from 308 to 365 days. The alpacas often signal their readiness with a high-pitched hum the night before.
Pitchingga Ridge’s alpacas come in two breeds—Huacaya and Suri—and 12 colors. They breed alpacas for sale and their wool, which is similar to sheep’s wool but warmer, lighter, and hypoallergenic. Huacayas produce fluffy, sheep-like wool, while Suris have thicker, twisted locks resembling thin dreadlocks. The high-quality wool is sold to a company that markets it overseas, including back to the alpacas’ native Peru.
Alpaca wool is used for a variety of products, including designer garments, Italian men’s suits, doonas by Kelly & Windsor, and carpet. Pitchingga Ridge also stocks raw wool and fleece, knitting yarn, knitwear, and throw rugs. Friends often wonder why Jean and David would choose to manage a farm in all weather conditions, but for them, it’s simple—they love it. The environment and the animals provide a fulfilling life that still feels like a holiday from their previous metropolitan existence.
Life at Pitchingga Ridge isn’t without its challenges. Daily tasks include checking emails from customers and tending to the animals. Each season brings its own set of chores: cutting hay in the summer, arranging couplings for mating in the autumn, fertilizing the land, and shearing the alpacas in the spring. The alpacas, needing high UV exposure, require vitamin-D injections three times a year. Amidst all this, Jean and David find time to showcase their alpacas at various shows and competitions across Victoria, where they’ve won numerous awards.
Pitchingga Ridge is a lively and beautiful piece of land, and Jean and David couldn’t be happier with their life there. Visits are by appointment on Fridays and weekends, and guests are advised to enter via Stony Creek Road from Mornington Flinders Road.
Technical breeding details include:
- Black Huacaya: Featuring genetics from the Mighty Maverick, still reading 24 microns, 4.84 SD at 22 years, with additions like Julius, Kenzoki/Gendarme, Provocateur, Heart Throb (aka Robbie), Saladin, Gold Perfection, Rising Sun, Softfoot Llander, Softfoot Timach (Maudie’s son), and the latest, Kurrawa Legends Like I Give a Damn.
- Black Suri: Started with Champagne Lad, followed by Silversmith, Winchester, Impressario, Vertigo, Totem, Mahogany Prince (via Maloha), Diesel Plus, and Durango son, Baarrooka Fleet Street.
- White Suri: Began with Jolimont Peruvians, followed by Surilana Peruvians, Andean Pride, Sensational, Tariq, and the latest addition, Suirilana Marathon, son of Piccolo.
Their first black females were purchased in 1995, followed by their first imported Suris two years later. Over their 28 years in the alpaca industry, Jean and David have seen significant success in the show ring, reflecting the quality of their breeding program.
Pitchingga Ridge offers a select number of breeding and show-quality animals for sale each year, catering to both established breeders and newcomers. They take pride in knowing that Pitchingga Ridge genetics are now part of breeding programs throughout Australia and New Zealand. They also have friendly females and young males suitable for pets or hobby farms, with packages available to suit any budget.
