Draft:John Arthur Elliott

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John Arthur Elliott

John Arthur Elliott (born 11^th April 1982), widely known as the "Camelman," is an Australian adventurer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He gained national recognition for his extraordinary 12,500-kilometre trek. across Australia accompanied by six camels and his dog, Bruski. Elliott's journey, which spanned over three and a half years, aimed to raise awareness about skin cancer and promote early detection.

Early Life and Career

Elliott was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia. He established a successful career in the insurance industry, founding Elliott Insurance Brokers in 2008. Despite his professional achievements, Elliott's experience led him to re-evaluate his life's direction which led him to pursue the adventure and leave behind his role as CEO of Elliott Insurance Brokers in January 2018.

The Camel Trek

After 12 months of preparation, Elliott set out on 11 April 2019, his 36th birthday, from Coonarr Beach near Bundaberg, Queensland. Initially planning a straightforward westward journey, his plans evolved into a national odyssey spanning every Australian state and territory, including Tasmania - making it the first documented camel trek in Australian history to achieve such a feat.

Accompanied by camels Arthur, Jackson, Charlie, Cam, Bill, and Ted, and his loyal blue heeler Bruski, Elliott faced extreme challenges including desert crossings, floods, heatwaves, cliff falls, 2 emergency service rescues, camel and human injuries, bull camel attacks, and bushfire. The expedition crossed seven major deserts and covered some of the most remote and rugged terrains in Australia.

The route covered more than 12,000km and encompassed a full circuit around the continent.

The Jamieson Cliff Incident

In early May 2020, while navigating the steep and narrow bridle trails near Jamieson, in Victoria's rugged high country, John Elliott faced one of the most dangerous episodes of his trek.

While attempting to lead his camel Arthur along a narrow hillside path above the Jamieson River, a portion of the track gave way and Arthur lost footing and began sliding down the slope. Elliott, in an attempt to restrain Arthur, cut him free from the camel string and held onto the lead rope, but both he and Arthur were pulled down a 40-metre descent toward the riverbank. Remarkably, neither sustained serious injuries.

Shortly afterward, two other camels, Jackson and Ted, lost footing further up the track, becoming stuck in precarious positions. Recognising the potential danger and that the situation was now beyond solo recovery, Elliott activated his emergency protocol and contacted local rescue teams using his satellite beacon.

What followed was a nine-hour coordinated rescue operation involving more than 15 personnel, including the Jamieson CFA, Victoria Police, the State Emergency Service (SES), and Mansfield CFA. The team used rigging equipment, brute strength, and careful coordination to bring the animals and gear safely back to the trail.

Elliott’s preparedness for such situations, including holding a search and rescue insurance policy linked to his navigation system and a separate travel policy for his gear, helped facilitate the emergency response and ensure no lives were lost. The incident drew international attention, including coverage by the BBC, highlighting both the dangers of remote solo travel and the strength of local volunteer services.

Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign

Before commencing his trek, a routine medical examination revealed an early-stage melanoma on Elliott's back. This personal health scare inspired him to partner with the non-profit organization Skin Check Champions to promote skin cancer awareness. Throughout his journey, Elliott facilitated free skin checks in remote communities, raising over $60,000 to support early detection initiatives.  His efforts helped connect La Roche-Posay with Skin Check Champions, resulting in a $1 million+ campaign contribution supporting early detection efforts through the “Summer of Skin Checks” program.

Return and Legacy

Elliott concluded his monumental trek in October 2022 in Geraldton, Western Australia. The city hosted a celebratory event featuring a fundraising dinner with the Mayor of Geraldton, Shane Van Styn, and free skin checks for residents. Elliott's camels were retired to a farm, and he expressed intentions to return to his insurance business in a different capacity.  

His journey has been documented extensively, with plans for a book.  He has since been working with Emmy Award-winning documentarian AJ Carter on a book and documentary series to share insights from his life-changing experience. Elliott’s journey has been described as one of Australia’s most ambitious and inspiring solo expeditions.

John Returned to the role of CEO at Elliott Insurance Brokers in 2023 and continues to lead the company to this day.

Camel Handball Career

In March 2025, John Elliott was appointed as the inaugural captain of the Australian Camel Handball Team, leading the nation into its debut at the 4th International Camel Handball Championship held in Doha, Qatar. This unique sport, blending traditional handball with camel riding, featured 17 nations from five continents competing over three days at the Lebsayer Heritage Field in Al Shahaniya.

Elliott made an immediate impact in Australia's opening match against Libya, scoring all 18 goals in an 18–9 victory. His leadership and skill were pivotal throughout the tournament. Australia advanced to the quarter-finals but faced a formidable Qatar team, resulting in an 11–7 defeat

Despite the team's exit, Elliott's outstanding performance earned him the Best Player (MVP) award of the tournament, marking him as the top-ranked Camel Handball player globally in 2025.