Three Hobart teenagers who spent a night camping on the Wellington Range in wild weather have prompted police to issue a safety warning to anyone heading into Tasmania’s alpine areas.
The 16-year-olds, George Grundy, Ashar Maddox and Dax Temple, spent the night on Collins Bonnet in winds reaching 115km/h, with temperatures dropping to a feels-like minus 10 degrees, without shelter.
They told Pulse they had checked the forecast before setting out and knew severe conditions were expected.
The trio had set up on a ledge along the ridge to ‘cowboy camp’, stacking rocks into a wall to block the wind before laying down tarps and sleeping bags directly under the open sky.
Tasmania Police Senior Constable Cameron Rennie said people exploring wilderness and alpine areas needed to be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
“It’s important people planning on bushwalking or sleeping in alpine areas are aware that conditions can change quickly and it’s imperative to be suitably prepared to keep yourself safe,” he said.
He warned that a sleeping bag alone would not provide adequate protection if it became wet.
“If sleeping outside, it’s important that people are mindful that a sleeping bag will not keep you warm if it’s wet,” he said.
“Always use an appropriate shelter for your safety – if you’re looking for a lightweight option, a bivy bag is suggested.”
Rennie said temperatures could change rapidly in elevated areas, even when conditions were warm and clear at the beginning of a walk.
Police recommend bushwalkers carry clothing and footwear suitable for all conditions, a waterproof jacket, adequate food and water, a first aid kit, map, torch and a way to communicate in an emergency.
People should research their intended route, check the forecast and make sure the trip is within their abilities and fitness level.
They should also tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return.
A fully charged mobile phone and portable charger are recommended, with police warning cold temperatures can reduce battery life and navigation apps can drain batteries quickly.
Senior Constable Rennie urged bushwalkers to be prepared to change their plans if conditions deteriorated.
“Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk,” he said.
“Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.”
The Wellington Park Management Trust also warned that camping is not permitted in the Remote Zone of Wellington Park.
The trust’s general manager Amy Russell said rough bush camping was permitted only in the Natural Zone.
“Camping is not permitted in the Remote Zone of Wellington Park, including Collins Bonnet,” Russell said.
“No doubt everyone has an opinion, but rules and regulations are in place for good reason.”
“Rough bush camping is permitted in the Natural Zone only.”
The teenagers returned safely from their overnight trip, despite the conditions.
