Driving the Dog Fence

The dingo or dog fence was erected in the 1890s in an attempt to protect the sheep industry of the eastern states from the threat of the marauding dingo and also the rabbit plague.

It is 5,614km in length - easily the longest fence in the world - and is almost twice the length of the Great Wall of China.

Despite the many thousands of dollars spent on its upkeep, the dog fence - like the Great Wall - failed to keep out those it was meant to exclude. Its primary purpose was to keep the dingo on the western side, safely separating them from the millions of sheep that graze in western NSW. Even today, Wild Dog Destruction Boards still administer sections of the fence, with the ongoing upkeep and maintenance, a never-ending task, a bit like the painting of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

There are two schools of thought about the dingo. One sees them as a threat to domestic stock, and therefore those with a direct economic interest believe they should be eradicated. The other argument is that dingoes are unique to Australia, and that they certainly should have their place. A pure breed dingo is a beautiful animal, and it is unfortunate that their special place in Australian history has been slurred, as most native dogs today are of mixed breed.

In many areas the dog fence is falling into disrepair, although its remnants can still be found with a little exploring. The most prominent sections of both state boundary and dog fence, which are fully maintained, can be found in north western NSW.

In years bygone, one of my favourite Outback drives was along the dog fence that runs north from Broken Hill to Cameron's Corner - the meeting place of NSW, SA and Qld State borders. The drive along undulating sand dunes is exhilarating, with the 2 metre high fence your constant companion. Occasionally you would run into one of the hardy men that maintain the fence and stop for a coffee and a yarn. Like many joys of Outback travel, today driving this section of fence is discouraged, despite its historic significance and scenic value.

From Tibooburra in far north western NSW, it is a short drive out to 'the corner' where the dog fence heads off in three directions - north, south, east.

The dog fence is clearly visible to visitors at Warri Gate north of Tibooburra and at various locations south of the Hawker Gate Road.

The drive north along Bore Track roughly follows the fence line before the track intersects with the cross road running between Innamincka and Nappa Merrie Station. While the majority of the dog fence is off limits to four-wheel drive adventurers, it remains a significant heritage drawcard and a trip to Cameron's Corner is recommended.

BRIAN TANNER

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