K’gari is a slice of paradise, but it’s important to be aware of the local wildlife.

K’gari is one of the most beautiful islands in Australia – float in remote swimming holes, hike through lush rainforests, take exhilarating 4×4 drives on white-sand beaches and dive into a crystalline perched lake. But among all this beauty lives the island’s wild dingo population. They may resemble a pet dog, but as opportunistic scavengers and hunters, the apex predators play a key role in maintaining the island’s ecological balance. Sadly, there have also been tragic encounters between travellers and dingoes.

This has prompted the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science to issue a fresh warning to families travelling to K’gari during school holidays to be aware of an increased safety risk when encountering dingoes at this time of year.

Having been there very recently myself, I want to make it clear that with a little awareness and following simple safety protocols, seeing a dingo in the distance is a small thrill, rather than a scary experience. Just as it is with crocodiles in the north of Australia, or bears in Canada.

Here’s what you need to know to remain safe around K’gari’s dingo population while enjoying this beautiful part of Australia.

What is the increased risk?

In a nutshell, most incidents between humans and dingoes occur during spring, when there are more dingo pups running around. Their protective mamas are also foraging further afield to feed their young, so visitors are more likely to come into contact with them.

How to stay dingo-safe on K’gari

• For starters, never feed the dingoes. That includes keeping all food locked up when you’re not eating, even on a boat.
• Make sure all your rubbish, fish and bait are secured so they can’t be accessed by dingoes.
• And never store food, food containers or anything that might smell like food in tents.
• Always stay in a group. If you’re travelling with kids or even young teenagers, that’s especially important as they can be easier targets for dingoes. Keep them within arm’s reach at all times.
• You’ll see signs around K’gari warning visitors to carry a stick. Follow these guidelines, as that stick can help ward off a dingo that gets too close.
• Sleep in a fenced-in area wherever possible. The island’s hotels, like Kingfisher Bay Resort, have fences. Not all campsites do, so be mindful, especially during this spring period.
• If you do come across a dingo, do not run. As with a lot of wild animals, running or even jogging can trigger a prey response in dingoes.

Additionally, the Department of Environment and Science have said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers will be on the ground, ready to offer advice and guidance during the school holidays period.

You can also check the government’s website for more in-depth details on understanding dingo behaviour before you go. And if you’re still feeling too nervous to explore on your own, there are several incredible guided tours to help you comfortably see more of K’gari with a local operator.

Armed with the right information and careful planning, there is no reason you can’t remain safe while holidaying on K’gari.