Child bitten by dingo at Kingfisher Bay

Issued: 21 January 2025

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an incident on K’gari after a three-year-old child was bitten on the leg by a dingo on the beach near Kingfisher Bay.

Around 5pm on Saturday 18 January 2025, a young child was bitten on the back of the leg by a tagged dingo while walking with family on the beach near Kingfisher Bay. The parents picked up the child and tried to scare the dingo away, but it wasn’t deterred.

People on two nearby yachts came to assist, with one using a kayak paddle to attempt to deter the dingo and maintaining distance between the visitors and the dingo. The dingo kept a distance but was not deterred.

QPWS rangers have increased education in the area and will attempt to identify the dingo involved. Safety signage in the area was assessed and additional signage was installed.

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

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:

• Always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
• Always walk in groups and carry a stick
• Never feed dingoes
• 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.

View more information on K’gari dingoes.