Police assisted an interstate tourist to return from Cradle Mountain in Tasmania after he called for help due to difficulties climbing without shoes.
Emergency services received the call at 7:30am on Saturday morning, after the 22-year-old man reported that his feet were ‘frostbitten and injured’, and that he was unable to walk. He’d been hiking for around an hour by the time police received the call, and although the weather was fine, the temperature was below zero.
Police reported that they provided the walker with footwear and escorted him back down to the Dove Lake viewing centre.
They’ve issued a reminder to all hikers to prepare for their outings with the proper equipment and experience.
Safety Tips for Hiking Cradle Mountain and Tasmania’s Wilderness
The hike to summit Cradle Mountain is over 12km long and rated as a Grade 5 hike, meaning Tasmania Parks recommends that only very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills attempt the trail. The rating is due to the challenging rock scrambling to make it to the summit, which can also be partly covered in snow during the cooler months. The hike is part of the longer and very popular Overland Track, which is 65km long.
Tasmania Parks recommends hikers attempting to summit Cradle Mountain should pack:
- A waterproof jacket with hood and storm front
- Waterproof over trousers sturdy walking boots
- Warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves)
- Water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking)
- High energy food
- First aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket
Find more hiking tips for Tasmania’s lesser-known hikes.
Feature photo by Tayla Holborow
