Always remain vigilant when visiting K'gari over the holiday season

Issued: 23 Dec 2024

While the holidays are a time to relax and unwind, rangers are reminding people that they can never relax around dingoes on K’gari.

The safety plea comes after two dingoes approached a woman at speed on the beach area at Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) on Thursday 19 December 2024.

Senior Ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff said it was unclear what triggered the dingoes to approach at speed and cause one of them to deliberately collide with the woman.

“This was a close call but thankfully the woman wasn’t bitten or injured,” Dr Behrendorff said.

“The family were being dingo-safe by staying close to each other and were able to deter the dingoes by yelling and carrying sticks.

“We were advised by the family that the dingoes fled as soon as they saw the sticks, and it is pleasing to see that they were carrying dingo sticks and travelling in a group.

“People who are heading to the island are advised to be dingo safe at all times, and carry a stick which works as a deterrent.

“Always keep children or small teens within reach and never walk alone or run on the beach, and people with children can consider staying in the fenced camping areas of K’gari.

“Always Be dingo-safe! and make this Christmas one to remember for the right reasons.”

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have increased patrols in the area and are attempting to identify the two dingoes involved.

Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au

Simple ways to Be dingo-safe! these holidays:

• Always stay within arm’s reach of children and young teenagers
• Always walk in groups and carry a stick
• Never feed dingoes
• K’gari’s environment provides plenty of food for dingoes, and they do not need to be fed
• Camp in fenced areas where possible
• Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
• Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
• Never store food or food containers in tents, and
• Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

For more information go to K’gari dingoes.