Mr Hardy runs the camel riding business at Lighthouse Beach, which has become a popular activity for both locals and tourists.

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.