The child was bitten on the back of the leg by a dingo while walking along the beach near Kingfisher Bay at 5pm on Saturday, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said.

The children’s parents picked up the child and tried to scare the dingo away but it reportedly wouldn’t move away from the family.

Two people from nearby yachts rushed over to help scare the dingo away but it was still not deterred, the DETSI said.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is now trying to track down the dingo, that was involved in the attack as it was tagged.

Dingoes are native to the island.

Visitors are urged to practice “dingo-safe” behaviour, including always walking in groups and carrying a stick and no running.