Police praise injured bushwalker after overnight rescue on Tasmania’s Overland Track
18 Jun 2023
A woman who injured an ankle while walking the Overland Track has been rescued after spending the night in freezing conditions in the remote central highlands of Tasmania.
The 28-year-old from Victoria activated her personal locator beacon about 5:30pm Sunday.
It showed her location to be two kilometres south of Kitchen Hut on the Cradle Mountain end of the Overland Track.
The rescue helicopter was not able to be used because of weather conditions but a team of police, ambulance and SES personnel walked in on Sunday night.
After locating the woman about 1:30am, they helped her return to Kitchen Hut and walk out on Monday morning.
The 65-kilometre Overland Track is one of Tasmania’s most popular walks, attracting thousands of bushwalkers each year, including in the winter months.
Sergeant Leighton Riggall said the weather was challenging with the rescue crew encountering wind, rain, snow and cold conditions” — but the woman had been well-prepared.
“She had appropriate equipment and food, and did all the right things, managing her injury appropriately while waiting for help,” he said.
“She registered her walk and added the details about her intended plans to her personal locator beacon registration, which helped us as emergency services to coordinate a response.”
Police have reminded bushwalkers of safety tips:
- Carry appropriate equipment, clothing, footwear, food and water, and a first aid kit
- Research the intended trip and ensure it is within your abilities and fitness level
- Check the expected weather forecast, and have a plan
- Ensure someone knows your route and expected return time
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a PLB and consider a portable charger to extend battery life
Authorities say “hazardous conditions” are expected to occur in parts of the Western and Central Plateau forecast districts, with snow as low as 500 metres expected during Monday and to 700 metres Tuesday morning.
Bushwalkers are urged to reconsider any plans for venturing into the area.
