JUST as they did in the Burke and Wills expedition, camels will play a key role in celebrations to mark the event’s 150th anniversary at Mia Mia on Saturday.

The Mia Mia Burke and Wills Committee has organised a re-enactment of the explorers’ arrival at camp six, at Mia Mia oval, at noon. Chair Wendy Hulls said the committee was delighted to offer free camel rides as part of the celebrations because camels played a significant role in the Burke and Wills expedition.

A history tent will also allow people to find out about the expedition, and there will be campfire activities to make damper and billy teas.

“It had been a wet winter in 1860, much like the one we are now having,’’ Ms Hulls said.

‘They were wet and tired and cold when they arrived at Mia Mia. Even their camels were exhausted.

“They would have set up camp fires and cooked up some provisions. Burke then declared they would have a rest day at Mia Mia, the first rest day since they had left Melbourne on August 20.

‘‘We want people to come along and experience some of what the expedition members experienced.”

Mayor for the day Howard Nathan will welcome back Burke and Wills, hand out prizes to the bush poetry competition winners and introduce entertainer Geoffrey Graham at Saturday evening’s dinner show.

Local produce will be available and there will be demonstrations by a blacksmith and farrier, along with a Burke and Wills art show.

Gates open at 10am. Cost is $5 for adults, and children 16 years and under free.