School holiday warning for K’gari travellers
Authorities have issued a warning over one of K’gari’s most popular times of the year as dingo breeding season clashes with holidays.
Families planning a school holiday trip to K’gari have been warned: “Be dingo safe”.
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science issued the warning after more than 7300 campers booked to spend the school holidays on the island, boosting the region’s $565 million tourism industry.
World Heritage listed K’gari “offers visitors unforgettable experiences”, the warning said – but there is a very real danger from some of the dingoes that call the island home.
CQ University dingo expert Bradley Smith said the school holiday period “corresponds with – or clashes with – the dingo calendar”.
“For example, Easter long weekend is dingo breeding season,” he said.
“This time of year it is spring, and there are pups around.”
You might like
Smith said the majority of the incidents between humans and dingoes happened during these peak times and urged families with young children to be cautious.
“People just don’t have the same fear of dingoes as they might with other larger predators (such as) wolves or bears in the US, or lions in Africa.
“I think that’s a big mistake – especially if you want to bring children to an island you know there are predators.”
According to the department, QPWS rangers would be on the ground throughout the school holiday period to assist holidaymakers.
QPWS K’gari ranger Cameron Weightman said there were a few simple steps to stay safe on K’gari while in dingo country.
“Always walk in groups, carry a dingo safety stick, never run, keep kids within arm’s length, secure all food, bait and rubbish and follow safety signage,” Weightman said.
Stay informed, daily
“Dingoes are an important part of what makes K’gari such a special place to visit, but visitors should never interact with them under any circumstances for their own safety and the safety of others.
Kingfisher Bay Resort general manager Daniel Marosek also encouraged visitors to make safety part of their holiday planning.
“Our resorts are encompassed by dingo-safe fencing, with safety information available throughout to ensure guests understand how to stay safe while exploring the island,” he said.
“We encourage everyone visiting K’gari these school holidays to familiarise themselves with the Be dingo-safe! advice before they arrive and follow the guidance of rangers and signage while they’re here.”
In 2001, nine-year-old Clinton Gage waskilled by dingoes after at least two animals attacked him and his seven-year-old brother, who survived.
According to estimates, about 450,000 people visit the roughly 1,600 square kilometre island each year.
Less than one per cent of visitors experience a negative interaction and many tourists visit the island specifically to see the dingoes.
K’gari dingo safety tips:
- Always keep children and young teenagers close (within arm’s reach)
- Always walk in groups
- Always carry a stick when walking
- 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, food containers or scented items in tents
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait
Want to see more stories from InDaily Qld in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily Qld as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily Qld". That's it.
