As part of National Alpaca Week, Riddells Creek breeders Vivienne and Terry Grigg will host four open days at their alpaca stud, Yaamba.

Ms Grigg said the couple began breeding the animals in 1999 and now had about 60 huacaya alpacas on their farm.

"We'd first seen them at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1988 when there were a few brought out to Australia, and were quite curious."

She said when the couple moved to Riddells Creek they were looking for a "more environmentally friendly" alternative to horse breeding.

"The alpacas are very gentle on the land with their padded feet and don't push and shove through fences. They are very interactive and curious animals that are easy to handle and herd."

Ms Grigg said the industry, celebrating 21 years in Australia, had become more popular in the last decade, with more than 100,000 animals in the country.

"They are great for breeding, but are also good as family pets if you have a couple on your property to keep the grass down."

The open days will include educational talks for new breeders. Products made from alpaca fleece - including fine cloth, yarn for knitting, throw blankets and even carpet, pillows and evening wear - will be on display.

Yaamba Alpaca Stud is at 48 Yaamba Road, Riddells Creek. Open days: May 2 and 3 and May 9 and 10, 10am-4pm.