John Hardy has had his camel business for the last 13 years and says 2019 was one of his most challenging.
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Mr Hardy runs the camel riding business at Lighthouse Beach, which has become a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
Read more: Meet Mr Camel
Over the past year, Mr Hardy said the business has taken a hit with the drought and the bushfires.
The Lake Cathie/Crestwood fire, Mr Hardy said came too close for comfort.
"It was lucky the wind was blowing the way it was," he said.
The activity has been forced to halt in times of heavy bushfire smoke and lightning storms.
Over the past two years, Mr Hardy has been carting water for his animals to drink, as the property's dam has run dry.
The expense of feeding the camels has also skyrocketed, associated with farm demand across the state during the drought.
Mr Hardy said the cost of the hay has gone up but unfortunately the quality is not as good as it once was.
"If we didn't bring in the hay they'd all starve," he said.
Mr Hardy said heavy rainfall can be just as punishing on his business as the drought.
He said in 2008 heavy rain put the business at a halt for weeks.
Mr Hardy said the rainfall can make the conditions too slippery and poses a danger for the camels. Lightning makes the beach a no go for the animals.
Mr Hardy credited his wife as helping to support them during the tough times. She works as a school teacher.
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