Shark attacks have also recently scared beachgoers in Australia.
Several tragic events occurred in popular tourist spots in Australia this week. The body of a Canadian woman was found surrounded by dingoes on a beach of K’gari off Queensland’s coast. More than 700 miles away on the coast of New South Wales, people have reported multiple shark attacks resulting in serious injuries.
These incidents serve as a reminder that Australia’s stunning beaches are also home to dangerous wildlife. Exercise caution and follow local advisories when visiting these sunny destinations.
Related: I Visited These ‘Second Timer’ Destinations Down Under. Here’s Why They Should Be Your Top Choice
Possible Death by Dingoes
The body of a 19-year-old Canadian woman, identified as Piper James, was found on a beach of K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). Two men driving by Seventy-Five Mile Beach spotted a pack of 10 dingoes—wild dogs native to Australia—around her body at about 6:15 a.m. Monday.
For the previous six weeks, James had been working at a backpacker’s hostel and went for a swim at 5 a.m. Her body bore marks indicating interference by the dingoes. Police, however, have not confirmed whether she was attacked by the animals or died by drowning.
Since the incident, two campsites have been closed, and rangers have increased patrols on the island. Authorities are conducting an investigation, and a post-mortem is scheduled for Wednesday.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Located on Australia’s east coast, K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, immensely popular with tourists. However, it is remote and requires proper preparation. The Queensland government advises people not to swim in the waters off K’gari due to sharks and stingers. It also warns against feeding or approaching dingoes. They are culturally significant and thus protected in Queensland. About 25 to 30 packs live on the island.
Multiple Shark Attacks
Within 48 hours, four shark attacks were recorded on beaches in New South Wales. Two people suffered serious injuries, while the other two escaped with minor or no injuries. Authorities closed all the northern beaches in Sydney, including Manly Beach, Newport Beach, and Palm Beach, following the attacks. Swimmers are advised to use local pools instead.
Three of these incidents occurred near Sydney. A 12-year-old boy was gravely injured by a shark on Sunday while swimming in Sydney’s Vaucluse suburb. He was rescued by his friends but remains in critical condition. On Monday, another boy, 11, was surfing in the nearby Dee Why neighborhood when a shark bit off his surfboard; he was not injured. Hours later, a 27-year-old surfer was rescued from North Steyne Beach in Manly after being bitten by a shark. On Tuesday, another surfer encountered a shark at Point Plomer (279 miles from Sydney), escaping with minor cuts.
The Sydney Harbour Splash, an annual swimming charity event on Australia Day (Jan. 26), was canceled after consultation with New South Wales Police and waterways experts. The organizer said, “This cancellation is made out of deep respect for the young boy who was tragically attacked yesterday, and for his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
Steve Pearce of Surf Life Saving New South Wales called the attacks “unprecedented,” and experts suspect sharks are responsible.
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, but visitors should be mindful of the natural dangers. The U.S. State Department also cautions that the country’s wildlife can be hazardous. “From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host animals that merit awe and respect in equal doses.”
When planning your visit, always follow local instructions, especially in remote regions. Avoid swimming alone and prepare appropriately for outdoor activities such as hiking. Remember, Australia has many wilderness areas with significant distances between towns, which means emergency services may not be able to respond quickly.
Related: The 20 Best Beaches in Australia