Is It Safe To Walk Around K'gari?
Yes, it is safe (and exquisite) to walk around K’gari, so long as you follow the relevant dingo, sun and tide safety precautions.
K’gari is a beautiful sand island just off the East Coast of Australia. Renowned for its countless natural wonders, lakes and ancient rainforests, it is also home to the iconic dingo.
Dingoes are beloved Aussie wild dogs, and with over 200 of them on the island, this is the general concern amongst walkers, unique to K’gari. Visitors should be dingo-safe at all times, even when there are none in sight when exploring K’gari. Similarly, if walkers are sun smart and up to speed on the tide times, venturing through the rainforests, sand dunes and beaches of K’gari is a safe and unforgettable experience.
K’gari Dingo Safety For Walkers & Hikers
As pack hunters, apex predators and fiercely protective animals, dingoes must be treated with awareness at all times throughout your K’gari journey. And, with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to K’gari every year, dingo-related incidents remain relatively low, as council work to monitor the dingo population and as well as tourist interactions. So, follow these dingo-safe pillars for a safe and respectful K’gari adventure!
1. Walk in groups
When walking on K’gari, it is essential to walk in groups and don’t wander off alone. This makes you less approachable to a pack of dingoes. It’s a good idea to carry a hiking pole or umbrella to further discourage dingoes. Also, if you’re camping or hiking, always bring a buddy if you need to go to the toilet, especially at night.
2. Keep children within arm's reach
Children are more prone to dingo attacks as they may be hunted as prey. By keeping children and small teenagers close, dingoes are far less likely to approach, as you will present as a big group. Don’t let your kids run off without you, as running may also trigger any nearby dingo reaction to chase and hunt. If you are camping, always camp with your kids in the same tent, ideally in a dingo-proof fence campsite. If you’re staying in a building or caravan, ensure all doors and low windows are secure.
3. Do not run
Running, jogging or walking very quickly triggers nearby dingo’s chasing instincts. If other dingoes begin to chase you as well, you may be in a dangerous situation. As such, do not go for any runs or jobs outside the dingo-proof fence areas, even if you can’t see any dingoes.
What to do if you’re approached by a dingo
In the same vein, if you’re approached by a dingo, do not run as you are likely to be chased and nipped. Instead, stand at full height, maintain eye contact and loudly call for help. If you’re with other people, stand back-to-back, and calmly move away to a safe area. Do not run from, wave your arms at or kick your feet at dingoes.
4. Never feed the dingoes
Not only is feeding dingoes a punishable offence on K’gari, it is also dangerous and encourages dingoes to interact with humans, negatively impacting their ability to survive in the wild alone. Don’t leave any scraps out for dingoes, and ensure that all food is safely secured. This includes strapping down eskies and storing food in vehicles or the provided dingo-safe food storage boxes. Wipe down tables, clean all dishcloths, and ensure all rubbish is secured and stored properly.
Always ensure that your dishwater is disposed of away from your campsite and in a 50cm deep covered hole if you’re hiking or in a designated washing-up area.
Can I bring food to Lake Mackenzie?
When visiting any lakes on K’gari, it is prohibited to take any food or drink (other than water) with you for a picnic on the shore, as it puts you on dingo level. Dingoes have approached and harassed people and children having lakeside picnics, and rangers often patrol the lakes and fine anybody not complying.
5. Keep your distance
If you see a dingo, never try and approach, attract or interact with it. Simply enjoy seeing a wild dingo in its natural habitat. Photograph all dingoes from inside your vehicle, or from far away. While they look like domestic dogs, K’gari dingoes are wild and will not act the same as your pup back home. For example, attempting to pat, give food to, play with or command a dingo puts yourself and those around you in a dangerous situation and is prohibited on K’gari. You should never be within this kind of proximity to dingoes anyway.
6. Dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully
Only dispose of your rubbish in the allocated bins in the fenced waste area on the eastern side of the island. Ensure your rubbish bag is tied well, and that the bin lid is fully closed. If a bin is too full, please put your rubbish in another bin. Close all bin lids and ensure no rubbish is astray before you close the gates to the area properly to avoid allowing dingoes in.
Dingoes are a protected native species by law, so visitors are obliged to respect them and not endanger their welfare. Enjoy the presence of these beautiful, curious creatures on your K’gari adventure, knowing that you’re safely respecting the population! For more information on the K’gari Great Walk and dingo safety on this 7-day trail, check out our ultimate K’gari Great Walk Guide!
Tide Safety on K’gari for walkers
If you’re walking along the glorious beaches of K’gari, such as 75 Mile Beach, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of the tide times for that day before you embark on your adventure. While essential knowledge for four-wheel drivers, a high tide may also impact your walk, so ensure you’re across the tidal changes which can change the shore landscape completely in just a couple of hours. Check out our 2024 tide times to ensure your walk up the beach won’t be a swim back home!
Sun Safety on K’gari for walkers
Much like the rest of Queensland, K’gari is subject to the harsh Australian sun! If you’re embarking on a walk or hike, make sure you’re prepared for the elements. Summers on K’gari are exceptionally hot, and being underprepared for the weather can be dangerous. Stay hydrated, pack well and stay cool as you explore K’gari by foot!
Be prepared and always pack smartly for your K’gari walk:
- Water - at least 2L per person per day
- Snacks and food - there are limited shops on K’gari walks, bring your own food
- Light sun-safe shirt - cotton with long sleeves and collar are ideal
- Sunglasses - polarised are best for spotting marinelife
- Emergency transmitter - if you’re planning on being out of reception
- Wide brim hat
- Sturdy, comfortable footwear
Mobile Reception on K’gari & Maps
Mobile reception on K’gari is not that reliable, meaning you will need to go it old-fashioned and bring your own paper map if you’re planning on doing extended walks. Maps are available to download and print yourself from the QLD parks website, or you can also purchase detailed hardcopy topographical maps from visitor centres. However, when you put the phone down, you can truly immerse yourself in the wonder of this stunning island, so disconnect, unwind and discover a whole new kind of K'gari.
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