If you’re planning a camping trip to one of Australia’s most beloved holiday destinations, it’s time to double-check your packing list—and your food storage habits.
Recent photos snapped by Queensland rangers on the sandy shores of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) have exposed a risky mistake that’s putting both tourists and native wildlife in harm’s way.
The images, taken throughout 2024 and 2025, are a wake-up call for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
They show tents torn open, food scattered across the sand, and the unmistakable paw prints of dingoes—K’gari’s iconic, but often misunderstood, residents.
In one particularly telling shot, boxes of Jatz crackers, Arnott’s Shapes, Assorted Creams, and an open tub of margarine are strewn about, while another photo reveals instant noodles and snacks left within easy reach of curious canines.
But let’s be clear: the real problem isn’t the dingoes. These animals are native to K’gari and have been scavenging for centuries.
The issue is that campers are unintentionally inviting trouble by failing to properly secure their food and rubbish.
Dr Linda Behrendorff from the Department of Environment and Tourism explains, ‘Dingoes are opportunistic by nature. They’ll tear open tents, break into eskies, and knock over bins if they think there’s an easy meal inside.’
And it’s not just food that attracts them—anything with a scent, from toiletries to shoes, can pique their interest.
Why does this matter? When dingoes start associating humans with food, they lose their natural wariness. This can lead to bolder behaviour, including approaching people or even becoming aggressive.
Tragically, if a dingo is deemed a danger to humans, it may be euthanised—a sad outcome for an animal simply following its instincts.
There’s also a persistent myth that food is safe inside fenced camping areas.
Dr Behrendorff is quick to dispel this: ‘A tent or annexe is not a secure place. Food needs to be stored in strong, lockable boxes inside your vehicle’s cabin or on the back of a ute. Otherwise, you’re rolling out the red carpet for wildlife.’
This isn’t just about protecting yourself and your snacks. It’s about preserving the delicate balance between humans and wildlife on K’gari and other natural wonders across Australia.
When animals become habituated to human food, it can disrupt their natural behaviours, endanger their health, and ultimately put their lives at risk.
So, what can you do to camp responsibly and keep both yourself and the local wildlife safe?
Top Tips for Safe Camping on K’gari and Beyond:
Store all food and rubbish in secure, lockable containers. If possible, keep them inside your vehicle, not your tent.
Never leave food, rubbish, or scented items unattended. This includes snacks, wrappers, and even toiletries.
Clean up thoroughly after meals. Wipe down tables, pack away leftovers, and dispose of rubbish in designated bins.
Educate your fellow campers. If you see someone making a mistake, offer a friendly reminder—everyone benefits from a safer campsite.
Follow all local guidelines and signage. Rangers know the area best and their advice is there for your protection.
K’gari is a magical place, home to unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. But with that privilege comes responsibility.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your next camping adventure is memorable for all the right reasons—and that the island’s dingoes remain wild and wary, just as nature intended.
Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife while camping? What are your top tips for keeping food safe in the bush? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Camping this weekend? Follow fire rules or risk a $47K fine
