Fraser Island is home to approximately 150 Dingoes - Australia's wild dog. These animals can become aggressive - a 9 year old boy was killed in 2001 - and should not be approached or fed. Feeding of dingoes carries a $250 fine, and all food should be secured in vehicles or food boxes when unattended.
Swimming in the ocean is not recommended owing to both the dangerous surf conditions and the number of sharks that inhabit the waters Indian Heads is a shark breeding ground.
Drive safely on the sand and obey the speed limits - the beach is classed as a highway, so police will run speed checks and breath tests for drivers. Speed limit on the main beach is 80km/h and on soft sand tracks 30km/h.
Due to the temperate climate, saltwater crocodiles are not normally present within Fraser Island's waterways. However, on very rare occasions individual saltwater crocodiles do for reasons unknown, possibly territorial disputes or even global warming swim southward and find Fraser Island's mangroves rich with prey items Barramundi and Bull sharks are among this species favorite meals and low on competition. This is VERY rare and almost unheard of, yet the presence of a large 4 meter male saltwater crocodile was confirmed in March of 2009. This is important information for both travelers to Fraser Island as swimming is a popular and usually safe activity and for the survival of the crocodile man-eaters are usually shot.
fees/permits
Permits - Vehicles and Camping: All vehicles travelling to Fraser Island must have an official permit. It must be attached to the windscreen. Campers other than those using commercial camp sites must have a camping permit which should be attached to the tent in clear view for inspection by the Park Ranger.
Permits are available from the following offices:
THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT Smart Service Qld www.qld.gov.au/camping 13 13 04
Brisbane: 160 Ann St, +61 7 3227-8185
Maryborough: Cnr Alice and Lennox St +61 7 4121-1800
Gympie: +61 7 5482-4189
Noosa: +61 7 5447-3243
Bundaberg: +61 7 4153-8620
Rainbow Beach: +61 7 5486-3160
Permits are also available from:
The Marina Kiosk Buccaneer Avenue
Urangan Boat Harbour +61 7 4128-9800
National Parks Kiosk River Heads boat ramp