Two hikers rescued by police after getting lost on Larapinta Trail

NT Police rescued two hikers who ran out of water and became lost while exploring separate parts of the Red Centre’s iconic walking trails. Read how they were found.

Northern Territory Police rescued two hikers off the Larapinta Trail, just out of Alice Springs, in August 2024. Picture: Northern Territory Police

Two hikers who became dehydrated while exploring separate parts of the Larapinta Trail were rescued by emergency services at the weekend.

Police were notified of an overdue solo hiker near Section 3 of the Larapinta Trail about 9.30am Saturday.

The partner of the 33-year-old man advised he was dropped off at Standley Chasm and was intending to hike to Millers Flat via an alternative southern route, not along the main trail.

The man subsequently ran out of water and became disorientated, with his last communication to his partner being at 1pm that day before his phone ran out of battery.

A combined effort including police, NTES volunteers, Parks and Wildlife staff and Larrapinta Trail Trek Support covered an area of 134sqkm.

A helicopter was also used, and found the missing man just after 9am Sunday in a spot where it was able to land nearby.

Northern Territory Police rescued two hikers off the Larapinta Trail, just out of Alice Springs, in August 2024. Picture: Northern Territory Police

A paramedic on board provided initial first aid for dehydration, before he was taken to Alice Springs Hospital for further assessment. He has since been released.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre informed police of a second overdue hiker on the Larapinta Trail about 5pm the same day.

The 40-year-old female had intended to solo walk from Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm, however she ran out of water and became dehydrated.

She activated her Personal Locater Beacon, and the Search and Rescue Section deployed a helicopter to her location, about 5km northeast of Standley Chasm, reaching her about 6.40pm.

She was mildly dehydrated but did not require medical attention.

Northern Territory Police rescued two hikers off the Larapinta Trail, just out of Alice Springs, in August 2024. Picture: Northern Territory Police

Search Coordinator Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said he commended the work done by police and NTES volunteers, as well as Parks and Wildlife and the Larapinta Trail Trek Support team.

“It was only through the collective efforts of a multiagency response that the initial missing hiker was located and recovered back to safety so quickly,” Mr Grotherr said.

“However, had he been carrying a PLB, he would have been found much sooner.

“Police urge anyone planning to walk along the Larapinta Trail to consider going in a group if possible, or at least with one other person.

“Be prepared with adequate supplies, including food and plenty of water, and travel with a Personal Locater Beacon, as the second hiker did in this case.”

Hiker rescued after getting lost on Larapinta Trail

A hiker has been rescued after he became disorientated while navigating the Larapinta Trail.

Southern Watch Commander Andrew Dunn said the 31-year-old man set off on the Standley Chasm return loop about 8.30am Saturday.

Almost 12 hours later, he said the hiker was reported to police as an overdue land party.

Sergeant Dunn said the NT Police Search and Rescue section launched a mission to find the missing man.

He said the team organised a helicopter – as well as a paramedic and spotter – about 7am Sunday to search the area.

Sergeant Dunn said the man was found about two hours later.

He said the paramedic’s initial assessment of the man indicted he was suffering from heat stroke and was “quite disorientated”.

Sergeant Dunn said the man was evacuated to the Alice Springs Airport, where a crew of St John paramedics were waiting to take him to the hospital.

He said IV fluids were administered to the man and he was expected to make a full recovery.

Sergeant Dunn urged any hikers to ensure they were equipped with plenty of water and resources when undertaking any trek.