Four hikers have been found safe and well after getting lost in Kosciuszko National Park yesterday.
About 1pm (Sunday 6 June 2021), the group departed Charlotte Pass, but became lost at 9pm due to deteriorating weather and poor visibility.
The group set up camp and called police, with officers attached to Monaro Police District commencing a search in the vicinity of the Blue Lake Walk and Main Range Track, assisted by NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Emergency services personnel used six-wheeler motorbikes and ATVs to negotiate the rugged terrain, then walked a kilometre to locate the group about 1am today (Monday 7 June 2021).
The hikers – 25, 27 and two aged 23 – were not injured.
They were assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before returning to their accommodation.
With the 2021 snow season already underway and poor conditions forecast over the coming days, Detective Inspector Neil Grey, from Monaro Police District, is reminding hikers to stick to designated tracks.
"Bad weather and snow cloud can very quickly and easily disorientate even the most experienced of hikers.
"It's vital for hikers to carry an EPIRB to narrow down their location when phone reception is poor, and weather is rapidly deteriorating.
"Anyone headed to our snowfields this season needs to be prepared with thermals and wet weather gear, as well as carrying plenty of food and water.
"If it weren't for the quick response by our emergency services, this could have ended badly," Det Insp Grey said.
Hikers are urged to lodge a trip intention with National Parks & Wildlife Service.
