A picturesque sunset excursion turned into a moment of terror for holidaymakers over the weekend after a camel unexpectedly went rogue during a beach tour at iconic Cable Beach in Broome.

Unplanned Chaos on the Sand

Footage captured at the scene shows the spooked animal breaking away from its line before violently bucking up and down. Two tourists, attempting to cling onto the animal's back, were thrown onto the hard-packed sand as onlookers watched in shock. It remains unclear what initially agitated the camel, causing it to separate from the rest of the tour group.

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene on Saturday evening. Paramedics from St John Ambulance treated the injured before transporting a woman in her 60s to Broome Hospital under priority two conditions, which indicates a serious medical situation requiring urgent care.

Health authorities confirmed that one individual involved in the incident has since been discharged, while the second tourist remains in hospital in a stable condition.

A Rare Incident for an Iconic Attraction

Camel rides have been a staple of the Broome tourism experience since the 1980s, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Western Australia's far north each year to witness the stunning coastal views.

Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell extended his sympathies to those affected while reassuring future visitors that safety remains a hallmark of the local tourism industry.

"Our thoughts are with those injured in the incident, and we wish them a speedy recovery," Mitchell said. "Camel tours are a longstanding and much-loved part of the Broome experience, and incidents like this are rare. Broome continues to be a safe and welcoming destination, offering unique experiences enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year."

Local tour operator Red Sun Camels declined to comment on the specifics of the incident.