Ah, holidays—that special time of year when Aussies can escape the city to explore our wonderful country.

We've heard of many classic holiday spots throughout the nation, from the gold-sand beaches of the Gold Coast to the wine-sipping vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

But one of the top favourites is the unique rainforest island of K'gari, nestled off the coast of sunny Queensland.

Often called Fraser Island, Australia's easternmost temperate rainforest is rightfully protected as a World Heritage-listed national park.

It's a serene paradise that park rangers fiercely protect, with millions of breathtaking acres of rainforest, freshwater lakes, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife—all inhabited by the iconic Butchulla people, the ancestors who have roamed K'gari for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, not all visitors to the island seem to respect its ancient history or delicate ecosystem.

The danger sign in front of the SS Maheno warns people that the shipwreck remains are collapsing and sharp, rusty metal could be hidden in the sand. Credit: Facebook.

According to locals, an increasing number of ignorant tourists have been ignoring park rules and venturing into a hazardous area: the shipwreck site of the SS Maheno, which sank near the island in 1935 after a cyclone and has since become a popular destination for visitors.

'I regularly witness tourists touching and climbing on the wreck, even after reading the sign or being informed,' explained one local man who works as a tour guide.

'It seems to be a common problem on the island with visitors feeling entitled to do as they please because they paid for a permit to visit—so they can do whatever they like.’

‘The same applies to the rules with dingoes, and most if not all of the latest attacks stem back to ignorant tourists.'

This attitude has put these carefree holidaymakers in potential danger, as the boat's rusty remains are crumbling away and dangerous to approach. Under the surface lie sharp, hazardous fragments.

This is why a 3 metre 'danger' limit has been put in place by park rangers, with a large sign warning visitors not to come close to the vessel.

Despite this, social media continues to be inundated with photos of tourists standing inside the skeletal hull—ignoring the warnings and 'feeling entitled' to trespass on private property.

As if the danger of approaching the site isn't enough, they also risk a hefty fine.

According to a spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, a breach of the 3-metre rule can result in a penalty infringement notice of $464.40—and for more severe offences, the punishment can be as big as a $7,740 fine.

The tour guide explained: 'There are enough warnings in place across the island, on the barges that come to the island, and all the brochures and permits issued. There is really no excuse for disobedience to these rules…'

But when he recently reminded visitors of the rules on Facebook, many disgruntled tourists hit back with comments such as 'just sick of the nanny state' and 'people are responsible for their own actions'.

'I'm not saying I want to see people getting hurt, but shouldn't it be our choice what we consider dangerous based on our life experiences?' said one commenter on the post.

Others defended the locals, with one user saying, 'If you want a 100-year-old rusted piece of steel through your foot that you couldn't see due to soft sand, by all means, enjoy the public beach.'

Key Takeaways

• Tourists visiting Australia's World Heritage-listed K'gari island have been criticised for ignoring safety rules at the SS Maheno shipwreck site.
• Despite a 3m 'danger' limit and penalties of up to $7,740 for disobedience, tourists have been seen touching, climbing and taking photos on the shipwreck.
• Many visitors feel 'entitled' to explore the site as they please due to having paid for a permit to the island.
• Locals have expressed frustration at the lack of respect for the safety rules and the potential dangers these actions pose.

While it's important to embrace and explore a place's local sights and cultures, it's equally crucial to remember that there are rules and regulations in place for the safety of everyone.

Being respectful and adhering to these guidelines not only ensures your safety in an unfamiliar land but also guarantees a hassle-free holiday!

What are your thoughts, members? Have any of you visited this island? Are there other Australian sights and destinations you're eagerly looking forward to experiencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[SteveY]

I will only visit Fraser Island. Just another reason not to visit this strange named island.

 

[MariaG]

It's like the good old wet paint sign. First thing people do is touch to check if it is still wet.
Many ignoramus eco vandals would be those kind of folk.
In the end money talks. Fine them.

 

[PeakA]

Seems to be typical of tourists to Fraser Island. Feeding dingoes until they lose their caution around humans and attack the unwary and driving all over the fragile sand dunes and beaches in Four wheel drives.

 

[Viellarde]

It's like the good old wet paint sign. First thing people do is touch to check if it is still wet.
Many ignoramus eco vandals would be those kind of folk.
In the end money talks. Fine them.

I visited in winter of 1993. Enjoyed a swim in Mackenzie Lake, where I witnessed a dingo come from the cover of trees, grab a 3 to 4 yr old girl by the bikini bottom, and try to pull her across the sand. People rushed to help and the dingo took off. That did not stop idiots feeding dingoes along the road.

 

[Go Cats]

I will only visit Fraser Island. Just another reason not to visit this strange named island.

K'gari is a beautiful name and is what the island was named and has been named for thousands of years. And in regards to the dingo attacks. People are IGNORING signs that warn them of the dangers. But they ignore these warnings and then the poor animal gets the blame.!!!! Who is really to blame here.?????.

 

[Jest]

Ah, holidays—that special time of year when Aussies can escape the city to explore our wonderful country.

We've heard of many classic holiday spots throughout the nation, from the gold-sand beaches of the Gold Coast to the wine-sipping vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

But one of the top favourites is the unique rainforest island of K'gari, nestled off the coast of sunny Queensland.

Often called Fraser Island, Australia's easternmost temperate rainforest is rightfully protected as a World Heritage-listed national park.

It's a serene paradise that park rangers fiercely protect, with millions of breathtaking acres of rainforest, freshwater lakes, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife—all inhabited by the iconic Butchulla people, the ancestors who have roamed K'gari for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, not all visitors to the island seem to respect its ancient history or delicate ecosystem.

View attachment 29455

The danger sign in front of the SS Maheno warns people that the shipwreck remains are collapsing and sharp, rusty metal could be hidden in the sand. Credit: Facebook.

According to locals, an increasing number of ignorant tourists have been ignoring park rules and venturing into a hazardous area: the shipwreck site of the SS Maheno, which sank near the island in 1935 after a cyclone and has since become a popular destination for visitors.

'I regularly witness tourists touching and climbing on the wreck, even after reading the sign or being informed,' explained one local man who works as a tour guide.

'It seems to be a common problem on the island with visitors feeling entitled to do as they please because they paid for a permit to visit—so they can do whatever they like.’

‘The same applies to the rules with dingoes, and most if not all of the latest attacks stem back to ignorant tourists.'

This attitude has put these carefree holidaymakers in potential danger, as the boat's rusty remains are crumbling away and dangerous to approach. Under the surface lie sharp, hazardous fragments.

This is why a 3 metre 'danger' limit has been put in place by park rangers, with a large sign warning visitors not to come close to the vessel.

Despite this, social media continues to be inundated with photos of tourists standing inside the skeletal hull—ignoring the warnings and 'feeling entitled' to trespass on private property.

As if the danger of approaching the site isn't enough, they also risk a hefty fine.

According to a spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, a breach of the 3-metre rule can result in a penalty infringement notice of $464.40—and for more severe offences, the punishment can be as big as a $7,740 fine.

The tour guide explained: 'There are enough warnings in place across the island, on the barges that come to the island, and all the brochures and permits issued. There is really no excuse for disobedience to these rules…'

But when he recently reminded visitors of the rules on Facebook, many disgruntled tourists hit back with comments such as 'just sick of the nanny state' and 'people are responsible for their own actions'.

'I'm not saying I want to see people getting hurt, but shouldn't it be our choice what we consider dangerous based on our life experiences?' said one commenter on the post.

Others defended the locals, with one user saying, 'If you want a 100-year-old rusted piece of steel through your foot that you couldn't see due to soft sand, by all means, enjoy the public beach.'

Key Takeaways

• Tourists visiting Australia's World Heritage-listed K'gari island have been criticised for ignoring safety rules at the SS Maheno shipwreck site.
• Despite a 3m 'danger' limit and penalties of up to $7,740 for disobedience, tourists have been seen touching, climbing and taking photos on the shipwreck.
• Many visitors feel 'entitled' to explore the site as they please due to having paid for a permit to the island.
• Locals have expressed frustration at the lack of respect for the safety rules and the potential dangers these actions pose.

While it's important to embrace and explore a place's local sights and cultures, it's equally crucial to remember that there are rules and regulations in place for the safety of everyone.

Being respectful and adhering to these guidelines not only ensures your safety in an unfamiliar land but also guarantees a hassle-free holiday!

What are your thoughts, members? Have any of you visited this island? Are there other Australian sights and destinations you're eagerly looking forward to experiencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

as others, been there done that all on Fraser Island. I speak English not aboriganal. Looks like a good NO is going to be required to let some know we are not happy with changes of stupidity.