Incredible photo highlights 'dangerous' mistake tourists are making in national parks
Authorities are warning tourists of a life and death decision they must make before embarking on a walk along one Australia's most treacherous trails.
Enjoying the great outdoors is high on the to-do lists of many Australians this summer. However, police issued an important warning about being prepared after two interstate tourists had to be rescued from an incredibly precarious situation.
A photo from The Hazards, a mountain range in the Freycinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania, shows the two walkers on the edge of a cliff-face after they got stuck attempting to descend the mountainside.
The alarm was raised after they were unable to move forward on the incredibly steep terrain around 5pm on Thursday. A Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched and police search and rescue specialists undertook a 10-hour rescue mission to guide the walkers back to safety uninjured by 3.30 am, according to local publication Pulse.
"While this was a successful outcome, it could have ended differently," Tasmanian Police warned. Sharing an image of the scary scene, a spokesperson said: "If you zoom in on the photo, you can see just how dangerous the situation was."
Hikers 'not prepared' for treacherous bushwalk
Police noted that the two walkers were "not prepared" with no food, warm clothes or water supplies.
"If you are planning on hiking or going for a bushwalk, you should always be prepared for emergencies," the force said.
The warning comes after three bushwalking deaths in Tasmania over the Christmas period. On Monday, a Victorian man in his 30s was hiking with two friends at Federation Peak in Southwest National Park fell to his death.
Last week, the body of a 54-year-old Queensland man was found by a bushwalker along the Western Arthur Range Traverse on December 28. A third man in his 60s died while walking at the Cradle Mountain National Park near Hansons Peak on Christmas Day.
The Hazards, where the pair were rescued, is a steep and challenging walk. Hikers are required to scramble their way up and back down again over huge granite boulders. Parks Tasmania warns on its website that walkers should be well prepared, even for a "short walk on a fine day".
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How to keep safe on bushwalks
Police offered several tips on staying safe while hiking in the bush.
Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.
Research the intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.
Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and a personal locator beacon and consider a portable charger to extend battery life.
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