Australia is home to the second longest man-made structure in the world. The Wild Dog Barrier Fence, also known as The Dingo Fence was erected during the 1880’s to keep dingoes out of the relatively fertile south-east part of the continent and to protect the sheep flocks of Southern Queensland. It stretches 5,614km, although at one stage it did stretch for over 8,000km. The fence passes through Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia and is the world's longest fence.

Here in the Western Downs, you can find the start of the northern end of the Dingo Fence, located between Jandowae and Jimbour. It extends through thousands of kilometres of arid land, ending west of Eyre Peninsula, on the cliffs of the Nullarbor Plains and above the Great Australian Bight some 5,614km away.

The fence line is cleared on both sides to a width of 5 metres. It has been constructed using wooden posts, strainers, star pickets, wire and different types and sizes of netting. The fence is nearly 2 metres (6ft) high and extends approximately 30cm underground to prevent dingoes and wild dogs digging under it. The fence is maintained by eight teams of men who patrol their section of the fence each week and is funded by Local and State Governments.

In the township of Jandowae a dingo sculpture surrounded by a replica of the fence, as it stood in 1948, has been erected to commemorate this nearby landmark. The sculpture is located on the corner of George and High Streets opposite the Jandowae Cultural Centre. Following the sign posts 19.6km along the Dalby-Jandowae Road brings you to the corner post marking the start of the fence. There is access to a 110km stretch that you are able to drive along – this is an unsealed road and subject to weather conditions.

Grab a copy of the Wild Dog Barrier Fence Brochure and make sure it's a must see on your next travel itinerary!