K’gari (Fraser Island) is an Australian gem right on our doorstep. This World Heritage island boasts stunning scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and exciting adventures. But K’gari is also home to dingoes, so it’s critical to know how to be dingo-safe before you go, and particularly how to keep kids safe around dingoes.
Dingoes are the apex predators in the ecosystem of K’gari. As such, these pack hunters must be treated with respect and safety in mind.
The K’gari dingo plays a vital role in the island’s ecosystem, so it’s essential for them to maintain their natural hunting skills and remain wary of people.
“K’gari is one of our most iconic and beloved tourism destinations,” said Leanne Linard, Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation. “However, the pristine natural environment that attracts so many families also presents challenges, particularly with the dingo population. Dingoes may look like cute domestic dogs, but they are wild animals and must be treated as such,” said Leanne.
“We want to ensure that visitors to K’gari can enjoy it safely while helping to keep the island’s precious dingo population wild,” added Leanne. “Dingoes are wild animals, and we need everyone to be aware of the dangers of potential interactions.”
Know your dingo do’s and don’ts before you visit K’gari to keep kids safe around dingoes
Do keep kids within arm’s reach
Dingoes may be closer than you think, and they move quickly. Children cannot be relied upon to know or remember what to do if threatened by dingoes. Stay very close—within arm’s reach—of your children and teenagers to reduce your risk of a dingo testing their dominance with your family.
Do carry a safety stick
Always carry a safety stick (such as an umbrella, hiking pole, or something similar) to deter dingoes from coming too close.
Do keep your distance from dingoes
Stay at least four car lengths (20 metres) away from dingoes.
Do camp in fenced areas
Particularly if travelling with children.
Do dispose of rubbish correctly
Keep rubbish in a locked, airtight container or in your car, and use fenced waste transfer stations to dispose of it. Alternatively, take it home when you leave. K’gari is a World Heritage Area, and taking your rubbish with you will not only keep the dingoes wild but also help to protect K’gari’s pristine wildlife.
Don’t run
Running or jogging can attract a dingo’s attention and trigger their instinct to chase. Always walk to reduce your risk of a negative interaction.
Don’t be alone
Dingoes are natural hunters and can stalk people. Walking or sitting alone whenever you’re outside a fenced area on K’gari increases your chance of being threatened by a dingo. Always walk in groups to reduce your risk.
Don’t feed or interact with dingoes
It’s an offence to feed or make food available to a dingo, including intentionally attracting or disturbing a dingo anywhere on K’gari. Keep food, cooking, toiletries, cleaning, and fishing items locked up or in your car. Dingoes are attracted to anything with a scent. Secure your storage and iceboxes with heavy-duty straps. Never store food items in your tent.
Don’t have picnics
All food and drink (except water) is banned on the lake shores. This puts you at the dingo’s level and can encourage them to steal your food. Fines apply if you break the rules.
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Mckenzie on K’gari
What to do if you are approached by a dingo
Be big and brave
Make yourself look large and dominant. Use your safety stick to keep the distance between you and the dingo. If a dingo acts aggressively, tap the stick on the ground or flick sand at it until it leaves.
Face the dingo—never turn your back
Keep your arms close to your body. If you’re next to someone, stand back-to-back.
Yell ‘HELP’ and ‘din-go away!’ Be loud
Be confident and call for help. Yelling ‘Dingo!’ will alert others in the area so they know how to respond appropriately.
Calmly back away
Move to your car or a fenced area. If there is no safe space to back away to, stand your ground and continue calling for help. Dominance testing can go on for a long time.
Tell a ranger
Report your interaction to a ranger by calling (07) 4127 9150 or email
Visit parks.desi.qld.gov.au for more information.
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