Tasmania weather: Family rescued from Mount Field after stranded in heavy snow

A family of six, including three children, has been rescued from Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park after being stranded by heavy snow overnight.

A family of six, including three children, has been rescued from Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park after being stranded by heavy snow overnight. Picture: Tasmania Police

A family of six, including three children, has been rescued from Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park after being stranded by heavy snow overnight.

The group raised the alarm about 4.30pm on Saturday after deteriorating weather conditions prevented them from accessing the walking track.

Police search coordinator Callum Herbert said the family was advised to take shelter until help arrived.

“The walkers were advised to return to the nearby Newdegate Hut and await the rescue crew,” he said.

A family of six, including three children, has been rescued. Picture: Tasmania Police

“Due to the extreme weather conditions, the helicopter wasn’t able to reach the area, so a search and rescue team of police and Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics was sent in on foot.

“The rescue team reached the walkers at the hut shortly before midnight, finding them all safe, but cold and wet.

“Given their condition and the hazardous environment, including strong winds and nearly one foot of snow, we determined it was unsafe to walk them out during the night.”

Paramedics provided medical care, food and sleeping bags to keep the group warm overnight.

Police crews go in to safely retrieve a family caught in hazardous conditions at Mt Field. Picture: Tasmania Police

“The helicopter was sent in once conditions allowed this morning, and the group was safely returned to the visitor centre about 10.30am,” Mr Herbert said.

“We are thankful the walkers were able to reach emergency services by phone yesterday, or the outcome could easily have been far worse.”

He said the Tasmanian family had set out on what was meant to be a day walk before being caught in rapidly worsening weather.

“The turn in weather conditions was significant, and the situation quickly became dangerous,” he said.

Originally published as Tasmania weather: Family rescued from Mount Field after stranded in heavy snow