Dingo incident, Fraser Island

Issued: 21 Jan 2019

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Rangers are continuing to monitor a pack of dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island) after a six-year old boy was bitten by a dingo near the entry to the Govi camping area at around 6pm on Saturday.

Rangers are observing the pack and monitoring their behaviour. QPWS will manage the situation according to the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy. This includes ongoing monitoring of dingoes involved in high risk situations such as this incident.

Public safety is paramount and QPWS rangers continue to do all they can to ensure K’gari (Fraser Island) visitors and residents are educated to be “dingo-safe”.

Rangers have stepped up their regular patrols in this area, and are speaking to campers, day tourists and accommodation management and staff about reducing the risk of negative interactions between dingoes and people.

The Govi campground has been closed until further notice. Any campers who have bookings for the upcoming long weekend will have access to alternative camping at Wongai camping area.

Visitors to the Island need to remain vigilant when holidaying at the popular destination.

Dingoes that are particularly aggressive and are deemed an unacceptable risk may be removed in consultation with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC).

People are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger or to phone 07 4127 9150 or email as soon as possible.

Visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

  • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers.
  • Always walk in groups.
  • Camp in fenced areas where possible.
  • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction.
  • Never feed dingoes.
  • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat).
  • Never store food or food containers in tents.
  • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

Further information on being dingo-safe as well as information about the dingo population on K’gari (Fraser Island) visit About Fraser Island dingoes.