Hiker who fell from Federation Peak was trying to head back: Tas coroner
The coroner’s report is a warning to others
A coroner has released her findings into the death of a bushwalker who fell from Tasmania’s remote Federation Peak in 2024 and the findings are a warning to others.
The 30-year-old man was hiking the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse with his partner in Southwest National Park when the couple decided to attempt the summit of Federation Peak.
Coroner Madeleine Wilson said the pair were prepared for 10 days in the wilderness, but described the notoriously difficult peak as a challenging objective for a first Tasmanian bushwalk.
On 30 December, the couple met another walker and the three decided to attempt the summit together. They left their main packs and personal locator beacon (PLB) at their campsite, carrying only day packs containing water, food, mobile phones and rain jackets. However, the trio struggled to locate the route, which was poorly marked. After climbing some distance and encountering exposed drops on all sides, they decided to turn around.
“As they were all seeking a route down, SU went around a rock and out of sight of his companions,” Ms Wilson said. “SU fell. [His companions] heard a gasp-like sound followed by at least two distant thuds.”
His companions were unable to see him and received no response when they called out. They returned to camp as quickly as possible and activated their PLB. A search and rescue team located the man’s body the following morning at the base of Federation Peak. Police estimated he had fallen 80-100m.
Coroner Wilson described the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse as a walk for “highly experienced” bushwalkers with specialised skills. Federation Peak, meanwhile, was described as an imposing mountain characterised by sheer faces and jagged edges. “It has a reputation as one of Australia’s most challenging bushwalking goals,” she said.
The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) subsequently updated its website information for the area, with the coroner noting that safety advice remains subject to ongoing review. Ms Wilson recommended that bushwalkers consult the PWS website for the latest information, including preparation advice, track conditions and safety warnings, before undertaking walks in Tasmania’s remote wilderness.
