Three bushwalkers have been airlifted to safety after spending a cold night stranded in remote Tasmania.
The trio activated a personal locator beacon shortly after 1am on Monday from Lake Rhona, deep within the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched soon after and reached the group once weather conditions cleared.
All three were flown to Strathgordon, cold and wet but otherwise uninjured.
Tasmania Police confirmed the successful rescue on Monday evening.
“Three people have been safely retrieved from Lake Rhona in Tasmania’s remote southwest after activating a personal locator beacon shortly after 1am today,” police said.
“… Favourable weather conditions allowed the helicopter crew to reach the scene.”
Lake Rhona is a 28-kilometre return walk typically completed over two to three days, recommended only for experienced bushwalkers.
The track requires walkers to cross the Gordon River, which can become impassable after heavy rain.
Parks and Wildlife say walkers should carry extra supplies in case they need to wait for river levels to drop.
It remains unclear what prompted the group to activate their beacon overnight.
Police used the incident to remind others heading into the bush to be prepared.
“Police remind bushwalkers to always carry appropriate safety equipment, including a PLB, when exploring remote areas,” police said.
