Bushwalkers rescued after stranded in bush overnight

Five bushwalkers stranded in bushland at Patonga Beach have been found safe and well.

Patonga Beach: A family has been rescued from bushland at Patonga after being stranded by the rising tide.

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Five stranded bushwalkers who spent the night in dense bushland at Patonga Beach have been rescued.

The walkers — including two adults and three youths aged 12, 15 and 17 — have finally hit the beach after becoming lost in dense bushland yesterday.

About 6.15pm, emergency services searched bushland in the area following a call from the group saying they had become stranded on an afternoon bushwalk.

Warrah Trig and Warrah Lookout are near Patonga. Image: Google Maps.

Police were informed the path the group walked along the beach was inaccessible upon returning due to the tide rising.

This stranded them on top of a cliff with no inland access, in fading light and with no provisions for a freezing night.

A joint search and rescue operation commenced involving officers from Brisbane Water Police District, Marine Area Command, PolAir, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire Service and the Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.

Once the group was located by PolAir, two Fire & Rescue NSW officers and two NSW Ambulance paramedics made their way through dense bushland to access the group and provide resources for the overnight stay.

The rescue operation commenced this morning at daylight, with Chief Inspector Rod Peet saying the group walked back along the ridge line with emergency service officers.

“Once again police remind people that bushwalking and exploring in glorious rural areas comes with a need for preparation, including knowing the route and taking supplies,” Chief Insp Peet said.

“Failure to do so can result in severe risk. On this occasion, fortunately the group were able to communicate with emergency services. However expensive resources were deployed due to a lack of planning of the people involved.”

No injuries have been reported.