David Elliot set out for a day walk in the Blue Mountains National Park in the Megalong Valley on 2nd February 2026, before becoming disoriented and spending the night lost, trekking through rugged terrain.
"I walked through the night, in hindsight I should have taken advantage of the space blanket I had, bunkered down somewhere and got some rest," Mr Elliot said.
The experienced bushwalker initially planned to find his way back to the main track, but suffering a broken wrist and with a second nightfall approaching, decided to activate his personal locator beacon.
"Within ten minutes of pressing the beacon there was a helicopter above me and I was ecstatic. The feeling of seeing that was out of this world," Mr Elliot said.
But he said as soon as the helicopter appeared, it was gone again.
"The helicopter would hover above me, then it would go away, and my interpretation was that they weren't able to see me and so they were going away and searching elsewhere.
"My fingers were crossed, hoping they wouldn't give up. I later learnt it was flying away to allow the rescuers on the ground to call out to me," Mr Elliot added.
The NSW SES bush rescue team had been out searching for Mr Elliot since first light and were just 500 metres away when the alert beacon was activated.
"I said it's so good to see you guys," Mr Elliot said.
"It was really exciting to be that first person to locate him. He was fairly tired having walked for 30 hours or so, but he was otherwise well. We gave him some water, some food and let him rest with the nice feeling he was about to get a helicopter ride home," said NSW SES volunteer John Barnes.
"I am always just happy when there is a good result," said NSW SES volunteer David Lacey.
Mr Elliot was helped into the helicopter by the NSW SES bush rescue team and taken to Nepean Hospital, where he was reunited with his family.
"I had been so scared for Dad, not knowing where he was or if he was safe," his daughter Karuna Elliot said.
His wife said meeting the volunteers who helped save her husband meant everything.
"You hear about these incredible volunteers, but to meet them and thank them in person is just overwhelming," Jackie Elliot said.
NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue Team Leader, Ellen Braybon, said the reunion highlighted the human side of search and rescue operations.
"Behind every search is a family waiting and hoping. Being able to see David reunited with his loved ones, and then reconnect with the volunteers involved, is incredibly special," Ms Braybon said.
Mr Elliot expressed his deep gratitude to the volunteers who found him.
"One thing that I really felt at that time, was as well as the volunteers being so competent in what they were doing, was that they were so warm and kind.
"I know they were part of a much larger SES team. I can't speak more highly of my contact with the SES through this," he added.
Despite the ordeal, Mr Elliot says he won't be hanging up his hiking boots anytime soon, but is planning to do things a little differently next time.
"My new walking colour has changed from bush beige to NSW SES fluro orange, I'll make sure I have a backup powerpack, I also now have a whistle you can hear for miles and I am planning on having some companions with me in future."
NSW SES is reminding all bushwalkers to always carry a personal locator beacon, ensure others know your plan, wear bright colours and be prepared when heading into remote areas.
