Bushwalker’s body recovered from Tasmania’s most deadly mountain – Federation Peak

The body of a 27-year-old bushwalker who died near Federation Peak has been recovered, bringing to an end a week-long search and retrieval operation.

Federation Peak walk: a walker on the descent.

The body of a 27-year-old bushwalker who died near Federation Peak has been recovered, bringing to an end a week-long search and retrieval operation.

The New Zealand national died in a fall from height in the vicinity of the rugged and remote peak, in the state’s southwest.

He had set out to walk the 72km Eastern Arthur Range Traverse in the state’s South West on Tuesday, July 16 but was reported missing by friends when he was overdue returning.

His body was spotted by ground search parties last Wednesday.

“The retrieval of the man who died while bushwalking at Federation Peak was completed on Monday shortly before 11am,” police said on Wednesday.

“Due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions the retrieval was not possible until this time.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Picture: Supplied

“On Monday, the Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter was able to reach the area, and search and rescue members were safely winched down into the ravine to retrieve the man.

“Tasmania Police would like to thank all parties involved for their assistance in relation to this challenging recovery.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time, and we thank them for their patience and understanding.”

The man’s name has not been released. A report on his death is being prepared for the Coroner.

Federation Peak. Picture: Philip Young

He was an experienced walker who had previously completed a walk of the Western Arthur Range and similar walks.

There has been 20 rescues and sixth deaths in the vicinity of the 1125m peak in the past decade.

The Eastern Arthurs Traverse where the man died is exposed to atrocious weather and features steep, rough and unmarked tracks through high cliffs and rock scrambles, the Parks Service says.

“​​​​​​The challenges of this walk are not to be underestimated. It should be completed by walkers with significant experience in remote, alpine conditions,” the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website notes.

The six- to nine-day trip includes the option to climb of the sheer summit of Federation Peak, which attracts walkers from all over the world.

The first man to summit Mt Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, described it as “‘Australia’s only real mountain”.

The first ascent was not until 1949, by a party from Geelong College led by explorer John Bechervaise.

A coronial report into the death of a walker in similar circumstances in the same area in 2016 noted the challenging nature of the walk.

“It is notorious that Federation Peak is a dangerous and extremely challenging mountain to climb, Coroner Simon Cooper noted.

“A number of deaths have occurred as a result of falls from the mountain over the last few years.”

Originally published as Bushwalker’s body recovered from Tasmania’s most deadly mountain – Federation Peak