Families flocking to Queensland’s K’gari (Fraser Island) these school holidays are warned their visit coincides with an increased risk from dingos.

The state’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.”

Smith said most 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,” he said.

“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 will be on the ground throughout the school holidays to assist holiday-makers.

QPWS K’gari ranger Cameron Weightman said there a few simple steps helped 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.

“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 January, 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James was found dead with significant wounds to her body after going to the beach to make a phone call.

In 2001, nine-year-old Clinton Gage was killed 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 1600-square-kilometre island each year.

Less than 1 per cent of visitors have 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