Mitcham dirt biker’s miraculous rescue after going missing in Yarra Ranges

A dirt biker who spent eight hours in rough bush in the Yarra Ranges after becoming separated from his mates was rescued by the police Air Wing.

A dirt bike rider who became separated from mates spent eight hours in dense bushland in Melbourne’s outer east before he was rescued by the police Air Wing.

Robert, 49, was on a camping trip with two mates on Monday when he became separated from them while riding on Frenchmans Spur Track near Cambarville.

He soon ran out of fuel and made several calls to his friends and triple-0 about 5pm, but was hampered by poor reception.

However, the calls and the GPS on Robert’s phone gave police a rough idea of where he was. He also lit a fire to try and attract attention from above.

The Air Wing made it into a small clearing the bush and found Robert about 10km from a main road about 1.30am on Tuesday.

Air Wing officers Craig Carberry and Adam Chamberlain with camper Robert following the rescue near Frenchmans Spur Track on February 21, 2023. Picture: Victoria Police

Robert was lifted to safety and taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for dehydration before being released.

Mooroolbark police Senior Sergeant Peter Muys said the area was notoriously difficult for conducting search and rescues.

Sen-Sgt Muys said Robert had a packet of matches in his backpack which allowed him to light the fire and be noticed by the air wing.

“The terrain is really rough, if you’re lost in the area, the Air Wing would be struggling to see you, and the environment hasn’t resulted in such a great outcome for some,” he said.

Mooroolbark police Sen Sgt Peter Muys has described the area where a dirt bike rider was found in the Yarra Ranges as one of the toughest locations for rescues. Picture: Kiel Egging.

“It is so dark out in the bush in the middle of the night, and that campfire would have made the total difference to finding where he was.”

Sen-Sgt Muys said Robert was planning to reunite with his mates on Tuesday and collect his bike and other belongings from the area.

“He’s extremely lucky, he only had light clothing on and we are delighted he was well enough to be able to talk about it.”