Search and rescue under way for two tourists lost in Cape Hillsborough National Park

A search and rescue operation was launched for two tourists who got lost while hiking in a popular Mackay region national park. After several hours, the duo was found.

The view from Wedge Island at Cape Hillsborough National Park. Picture: Kelsey Wallace

A search and rescue mission was under way for two tourists who became lost while hiking in a popular Mackay region national park.

Police initially expressed concerns for the welfare of two the duo, who were later found off track within Cape Hillsborough National Park and safely led out of the area.

Police, SES, and the BMA CQ Rescue Chopper scoured Cape Hillsborough National Park in a large search-and-rescue operation for the man and woman, believed to be Spanish, who have been lost for about four hours.

A QPS spokeswoman said police were called about 9am Sunday by a man saying he and the woman, who are believed to be tourists, had become lost while bushwalking.

The BMA Rescue chopper has been called to help search for two tourists missing in Cape Hillsborough National Park.

“Police have co-ordinated a search and rescue operation in response to a missing man and woman in Cape Hillsborough National Park,” she said.

The search and rescue operation began this morning, with SES assisting police in the investigation.

“Police hold concerns for their welfare due to the difficult terrain and current weather events,” she said.

By early afternoon the pair had been spotted from the air and efforts were made for searchers to find the duo in the bushland.

This was successful and the pair was led out of the bushland and assessed by paramedics.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the two were not injured and did not require transport.

Cape Hillsborough is about a 40 minute drive south of Mackay and is popular for its array of hiking trails.

More to come.