70-year-old rescued from Nitmiluk National Park after more than 12 hours lost in the bush

A 70-year-old tourist who failed to return to his accommodation in one of the Territory’s most popular national parks sparked a 12 hour search and rescue operation.

NT Police Sergeant Chris Grotherr said about 11.45pm Friday, emergency services received reports about the concerns for the welfare of the missing tourist, sparking an urgent search by Parks and wildlife rangers. Picture: Tourism Top End

A tourist who spent more than 12 hours lost in a Top End national park has been found safe and well.

The alarm was raised late Friday night after the 70-year-old man failed to return to his accommodation after visiting Nitmiluk National Park.

NT Police Sergeant Chris Grotherr said about 11.45pm on Friday, emergency services received reports about the concerns for the welfare of the missing man, sparking an urgent search by Parks and wildlife rangers.

NT Police and Park Rangers closed all hiking and mountain bike trials at the Gorge Sector of Nitmiluk National Park on Saturday morning as part of the search.

NT Police and Park Rangers closed down all hiking and mountain bike trials at the Gorge Sector of Nitmiluk National Park on Saturday morning, April 12, amid a search for a missing 70-year-old tourist.

On Saturday morning the Police Search and Rescue Section joined the mission, and by 10am he was spotted on the ground by a helicopter overhead.

The man was taken to Katherine Regional Hospital for medical assessment.

Sergeant Grotherr said they were all relieved that the search had a “positive outcome”, thanking all those involved including NT Emergency Service and Parks and Wildlife rangers.

Originally published as 70-year-old rescued from Nitmiluk National Park after more than 12 hours lost in the bush