A group of three missing bushwalkers, including a child, have been found “cold but well” in the remote Tasmanian wilderness after they activated their personal locator beacon overnight.
The group, consisting of two adults and a child, were reported overdue in the Walls of Jerusalem area prior to 7pm on Sunday night.
Police said weather conditions were not suitable for the rescue helicopter to fly in, so a ground search crew was called in instead.
“Due to the inclement weather conditions they have stayed with the walkers over night providing them with food and provisions to keep warm,” police said.
More on this story: Family that got lost in snow to spend another night in Tasmanian wilderness
Authorities will attempt to retrieve the walkers by helicopter this morning, depending on the weather.
The incident comes as a severe weather warning is currently in place for parts of Tasmania, with gusts of 100km/h, snow and heavy rain expected.
The State Emergency Service had earlier advised people to reconsider venturing out in the adverse weather overnight.
“With school holiday is underway, the State Emergency Service is aware that a number of families may be travelling or preparing activities out and about,” Chris Irvine from the SES said.
“We encourage people to make informed decisions about what they intend to do and take into consideration the current forecasts and the warnings that are currently issued.”
“The SES volunteers are ready and prepared to provide assistance if required.”
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a rugged and remote area known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
The Parks and Wildlife website warns that the “weather can change dramatically within a few hours” in the area.
