A 52-year-old Victorian man has gone missing while hiking in one of Tasmania’s most popular wilderness spots, prompting an urgent search operation amid freezing overnight conditions.
Christopher Inwood was last seen in Kelso in Tasmania’s north on Sunday before heading to the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.
Police now believe he and his vehicle may have been spotted in the Kindred area around 8:30pm on Monday.
His white Toyota Hiace van was found parked at the Cradle Mountain ranger station at 7:30am on Tuesday.
A backpack, believed to be his, was later discovered about 500 metres along the walking track from the station, in the direction of Dove Lake.
The find has raised serious concerns for his welfare, especially with temperatures at Cradle Mountain dropping below zero overnight.
Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are leading the search, with support from a Tasmania Police drone.
“Anyone who has seen Mr Inwood, knows of his movements or has any information that may assist the search is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444,” police said.
