Tourists to Queensland’s Fraser Island should carry walking sticks and travel in groups, a conservationist has warned after dingoes mauled a young German visitor.

The 23-year-old was attacked while he was asleep on a lonely, dark track.

Authorities say he lay down and fell asleep on Saturday morning after becoming disorientated when he wandered away from friends and a well-lit camp site.

He has serious injuries to his head, legs and arms but is in a stable condition at Hervey Bay Hospital. Fraser Island Defenders Organisation spokesman John Sinclair says it’s a reminder that tourists need to be careful.

”It does sound as though he was a bit irresponsible,” Mr Sinclair said.

”People going to Fraser Island should know to carry a walking stick to protect themselves in case dingoes attack and to travel in groups or pairs. People need to take responsibility for themselves and understand dingoes are predators, they are not domestic dogs.”

Rangers have increased dingo patrols following the attack.