Two bushwalkers have been rescued following a multi-agency operation in the Kosciuszko National Park overnight. About 7.30am yesterday (Saturday 7 June 2025), emergency services were called to the Kosciuszko Walking Trail, below Mount Carruthers, about 3kms from Mount Kosciuszko, following reports a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were stranded in blizzard conditions.
PHOTO: Emergency services battled blizzard conditions initially forced to retreat before successfully extracting the hikers CREDITS: NSW Police
A command post was established, and officers from the Monaro Police District Alpine Operations Unit, the Police Rescue Squad, NSW Ambulance and the NSW State Emergency Service alpine search and rescue team – responded.
About 12.15pm, the search party advanced to within about 1.2kms of the stranded bushwalkers before being forced to retreat due to strong winds and white out blizzard conditions.
PHOTO: The alpine rescue involved highly trained local SES volunteers CREDIT: NSW – SES Snowy River Unit
About 10.40pm, trained alpine officers from both the NSW Police Force and the NSW State Emergency Service hiked on foot to the stranded hiker’s location, while other operators established a forward staging area and campsite due to the conditions.
About 12.25am this morning (Sunday 8 June 2025), the hikers were escorted to the staging post campsite, where they remained for a period of time due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall.
PHOTO: Adverse weather saw a staging post campsite set up near the hikers CREDIT: NSW – SES Snowy River Unit
About 4.00am today (Sunday 8 June 2025), the hikers were successfully extracted, with no injuries reported.
Acting Inspector Andrew Woods of the Monaro Police District said, “This was a great example of multi-agency teamwork and resilience in extreme conditions”.
PHOTO: The rescue comes just one day after the launch of Operation Snow Safe 2025.
“As we move into the snow season, it’s vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions. It’s highly recommended that Park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly.”
“The use of the online National parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged. The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans.” Insp Woods said.