Monaro Police are reminding bushwalkers to check for adverse weather alerts after a multi-agency Alpine rescue operation over the weekend.
About 1.15pm Saturday (26 July 2025), a search operation commenced after a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated in the vicinity of the Dead Horse Gap Track, Kosciuszko National Park, south-west of Thredbo.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District and Police Search and Rescue, State Emergency Service Alpine Search and Rescue operators, and NSW Ambulance Alpine Operations paramedics were deployed to locate the hiking party.
The seven hikers – aged from 21 to 48 – were found about 7pm before they were assessed by paramedics and treated for exposure to the cold.
All were taken to Thredbo Village in a Snowcat vehicle. Police were told the hikers had become disoriented after a sudden change in weather conditions.
Monaro Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Keith Price, said the fact the group had a PLB with them greatly assisted the rescuers.
“Activating the PLB meant rescuers had a precise location as well as information about the stranded group, enabling the appropriate resources to be deployed more quickly.
“Even experienced hikers with the right gear can be impacted by sudden weather changes and our advice to all hikers in the Alpine area is to always check for weather alerts, plan your route carefully, and take a PLB,” Supt Price said.
What the internet thought about this
“All weather reports, even the Sydney news, said a strong cold front was coming in. It really is a joke that people go out in conditions beyond their abilities. Yes, disorientation occurs, yes, things happen however if you dont take a compass and map or GPS unit or both then what are you doing out there? Thanks to the rescuers for finding them and bringing them back safely,” - S Harper
“Well done to the crew who rescued them, and, yes, the hikers should not have ventured out, but they do get a couple of good marks for having a PLB.’ - J Tracey
“Fines need to be issued & make them pay for the rescue costs.” - A Wilesmith
“Dead horse Gap is unique. You can be hiking in somewhat normal conditions and suddenly you are in the fight of your life. There is definitely a section where the wind is so strong. You step out into it and you’re in trouble immediately.
The wind and blizzard conditions come on suddenly and without warning. It doesn’t take much to be disoriented. I have walked this trail in summer and winter. The weather can change anytime. Those hikers were so fortunate to have the foresight to have personal locater beacons.” - L Casaceli
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