Dingo Safety on K'gari

It is crucial to recognise that the Fraser Island dingo is a valuable part of the island's ecosystem and plays an important role in the balance of wildlife.

While prioritising your safety is paramount, it is equally vital that we respect and understand the animals by educating ourselves on dingo behaviour. Taking the appropriate precautions, such as securing food and waste properly, can help reduce the potential for dingo attacks on Fraser Island and ensure a safer environment for both humans and dingoes.

Before your visit, please read the below FAQ's and familiarise yourself with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife’s Be dingo-safe! on K’gari website.

How common are dingo attacks on Fraser Island?

Relative to the number of visitors that flock to the world's largest sand island, dingo incidents are very uncommon. The majority of travellers limit their visitation to the most popular sites and these locations are very small in comparison to the large, undisrupted habitats where the wildlife thrive. Apart from areas like Kingfisher Bay Resort and K'gari Beach Resort which have secure perimeter fencing for dingo and human safety, dingoes can roam all over the island.

To ensure negative interactions with dingoes on Fraser Island are minimised, follow the Be Dingo-Safe on K'gari/Fraser Island Guidelines.

How many dingoes are on Fraser Island?

The number of dingoes on Fraser Island constantly fluctuates with recent reports suggesting a population of approximately 200 dingoes on K'gari.

Numbers increase throughout the breeding season and decline as a result of natural attrition.

What do dingoes eat on Fraser Island?

Dingoes on Fraser Island eat a variety of foods ranging from native wildlife, including wallabies, birds, and reptiles, scavenge on carcasses found on the shore, and hunt smaller prey like rodents and insects. Additionally, dingoes may consume fruits, berries, and other plant matter, especially during times when hunting is less successful. Overall, their diet can vary depending on seasonal availability and ecological factors.

Are dingoes native to Fraser Island?

Dingoes have called Fraser Island home for thousands of years, however, they are not native to the island. Dingoes are believed to be descendants of Southeast Asian dogs, introduced to the Australian continent between three and four thousand years ago.