The heartbroken parents of a teenager who was found dead surrounded by dingoes have arrived in Australia to visit the lonely beach where their daughter lost her life.
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Canadian Piper James, 19, was working on K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, when she went for an early morning swim on January 19.
Her body was found a short time later surrounded by a pack of dingoes near the island's popular tourist site, the SS Maheno wreck.
An autopsy uncovered evidence of "pre-mortem" dingo bites but said drowning was the most likely cause of death.
Grieving parents Todd and Angela James touched down in Brisbane on Tuesday morning after a long flight from their home in Vancouver.
Their arrival marks the first stage of the couple's emotional journey as they embark on a devastating pilgrimage to K'gari.
"It's hard, it's just so hard," Mr James told AAP on Tuesday.
The couple were distraught and declined to speak with waiting media.
They will visit K'gari for a traditional smoking ceremony alongside the island's traditional owners the Butchulla Indigenous people later this week.
The ceremony will be held on the beach near where Ms James was found.
"This ceremony is important and cultural protocols for us and a way to bring calm to the land, acknowledge her spirit and offer the healing to all," Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation director Christine Royan told AAP.
The Butchulla people have a deep spiritual connection to the land and the tragedy has devastated the entire island, she said.
"We wanted young Piper to leave with footprints of good memories to come back another day," Ms Royan said.
"It (smoking ceremony) is part of our culture and responsibilities ... to honour the life and ensure the spirit churning is peaceful."
Mr James earlier confirmed their travel plans on social media.
"It is now time to go to Australia to be with Piper, walk where she last walked, and try to feel the spirit of my baby girl in some way - we will return with Piper back home to Canada," he posted on Facebook.
The family will hold a "beautiful celebration" of their daughter's life with a funeral service on February 28.
Rangers increased patrols across K'gari - the world's largest sand island - following the tragedy.
Six dingoes have since been destroyed after displaying aggressive behaviour.
Just over $39,000 had been raised by Tuesday in a GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend.
Australian Associated Press
