Wild Dog Fence

In the 1880s rabbits in New South Wales were in plague numbers, destroying native vegetation and rendering landscapes barren. The original rabbit-proof fences, constructed along the borders with South Australia and Queensland and elsewhere, were completed in 1890. They were constructed of netting and had the lower portion buried in the sand to prevent the rabbits digging underneath the fence.

As pastoral properties extended throughout New South Wales dingoes also became a real threat, killing and maiming thousands of sheep. More than 4000 were trapped in New South Wales each year in those early days. Pastoralists successfully urged the government to upgrade the fence to make it also impenetrable for dogs. 

Work began 1914 to convert the fence to dingo proof. It had to be raised to six feet, which over the sand dunes has created a significant problem, and maintain its rabbit-proof status.

Boundary riders were engaged to carry out the work.  They were required to complete 1.6 km each day, and were supplied with camels, two tents, one of which was used as a depot and located near waterhole. A second smaller tent was used for accommodation as the rider moved further from camp.  In time, permanent waters, cottages and even telephones were installed. With-in two years the number of dogs trapped within New South Wales was reduced by about 3000.

The entire length of the Wild Dog Fence is more than 5000 kilometres, making it the longest continual fence in the world.