A rescue helicopter and ground crews have worked late into the night to find a young man who became separated from his group in Freycinet National Park.
The 22-year-old became lost while walking from Sleepy Bay to Mount Parsons on Thursday evening.
Emergency services launched a search about 8:30pm, finding the walker “cold and tired” but unharmed three hours later.
Tasmania Police Sergeant Ricki Eaves said worsening weather made the search more challenging.
“Due to the weather, a walking party [was] deployed and located the man about 11:30pm, safely returning him to his friends,” he said.
The incident has prompted fresh warnings about the risks faced by bushwalkers in Tasmania’s wilderness.
Police are reminding hikers not to walk alone and to carry emergency communication devices such as personal locator beacons or satellite messengers.
“Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life,” police said.
Authorities also stress the importance of maps, torches, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, waterproof jackets and first aid kits – regardless of the conditions at the start of a hike.
