A man and a woman have been airlifted to safety after spending hours stranded overnight at Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s east coast.
Tasmania Police said a relative raised the alarm just after 11pm on Friday, when the pair could not be contacted after going for a walk in the area.
Police search and rescue officers and a rescue helicopter were sent to Freycinet National Park at 12:53am.
The pair were found about two hours later at 2:49am.
Police said they were “safe and well, although cold, tired” and were flown out by helicopter.
Wineglass Bay, near Coles Bay, is one of Tasmania’s most popular walking destinations.
Police said the rescue was “a timely reminder for bushwalkers to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food and emergency communication devices”.
They urged walkers not to go out alone and to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB), ideally with a two-way satellite messaging device.
They also said phone batteries drain faster in cold weather and when using navigation apps and recommended walkers carry a portable charger.
Walkers should check the forecast, tell someone their route and expected return time and be prepared to turn back if conditions change.
“You must be prepared to survive until assistance arrives,” police said.
