Fraser Island Dingoes
One of the most controversial yet intriguing animals on Fraser Island would have to be the Fraser Island dingo. Said to be the purest breed, it is estimated that there are up to 25 to 30 packs of dingoes that live on the island. Each pack is believed to between 3 to 12 dingoes.
What You Need To Know
Like most animals, Dingos are attracted to food, and whilst most of the major tourist attractions and resorts are fenced off, these puppies know that where there is a human, there is food. So there are several safety precautions which you should be mindful of before booking a trip to Fraser Island.
1. Do not feed the wildlife or the dingoes. It is actually illegal to feed the dingoes or any wildlife on the island and can cause huge fees and penalties.
2. Never walk on your own. When you are travelling around the island, be sure to stay in groups. There is safety in numbers and walking the island on your own is not a wise decision.
3. Do not leave food out. It’s important to remember not to store food in your tent or leave food lying around your campsite. To avoid this, pack your food away in an esky or locked up in your truck.
4. Secure your rubbish. Make sure that your rubbish is always secure and placed inside the appropriately signed bins. Remember to clean up food scraps, plates and anything that leaves a remanence of food.
5. Photograph from the security of your truck. If you plan on watching or taking photos of dingoes, make sure it is done from far away or inside your vehicle.
6. Stay calm. If you do happen to come across a dingo, Do Not Run! Stay cool, calm and collected whilst you fold your arms and maintain eye contact. Whilst standing tall, calmly back away without making any fast movements.
For more information on the Fraser Island dingo, you can contact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at nspr.qld.gov.au Don’t forget to check out Episode 52 of the Campr series for our guide for a safe Fraser Island holiday.