A paradise island plagued by shipwrecks and vicious animals has become so popular that tourists are being made to pay £30 to visit.
Formally known as Fraser Island, K’Gari is located off the coast of Australia and officially changed its name to in 2023 to the traditional name in the language of the local Butchulla peoples
The island is made entirely of sand and was the scene of approximately 23 shipwrecks between 1856 and 1935, many of which remain on the beaches to be explored by tourists.
The island was used as a Commando base during the Second World War, as troops prepared for deployment to the Pacific theatre and reminders of troops’ presence remain in the form of foxholes, rusted truck parts and remains from military infrastructure.
But the island has a deadly side, with wild animals with the potential to harm, maim and even kill humans.
The islands 150 miles of beautiful coastline is patrolled by jellyfish and great white sharks whilst inland, wild dingo attacks are becoming ever more common.
Last year, a video went viral after a dingo approached a woman who was sunbathing and bit her on the bum, whilst there have been other incidences of a child being mauled to death and another dragged into the sea.
The child dragged into the sea was only saved by his brave sister who waded in and fought the animal off, leaving her brother with scratches and bruises.
Local rangers believe that the wild animals no longer fear humans.
Speaking to ABC News Australia, ranger Linda Behrendorff said: “From deliberately feeding, to calling animals over to try and get their photos, and even pushing their kids in the path of a dingo to get those photos; it’s extremely inappropriate.”
She said feeding or interacting with dingoes reduced their fear of humans.
“Once they get familiar with something, or there’s always food in that esky, or ‘if I go to this campsite, I’m always going to get something’, you’re pretty much training that animal.”
None of this has put tourists off of visiting the island, with its history and beauty a popular draw for travellers.
Tourism on the island has boomed in the last decade and authorities have introduced the requirement to purchase a £30 visa in advance of travelling.
The island’s lure is understandable, with the clear blue water and sandy beaches combining with historic shipwrecks indigenous culture and Second World War history to provide a unique, incredible holiday experience.