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World
Tasmania: Over 100 Hikers Rescued in One Year Due to Poor Preparation
World Desk · · 30s summary · 4 min read
The essentials
In Tasmania, over 100 of the 375 emergency responses by police in the 12 months ending 30 June 2026 involved hikers who lacked adequate preparation. Approximately one in four rescues involves an ill-equipped hiker, according to Tasmania Police. As Southern Hemisphere winter approaches, authorities and the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service recommend carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) and warn against planning bushwalks based on social media influencer content.
- Over 100 rescues out of 375 related to inadequate preparation (12 months to 30 June 2026)
- Approximately 1 in 4 rescues involves an ill-equipped hiker, according to Tasmania Police
- Darkness falls as early as 4:30 PM in winter; conditions can change in seconds
- Authorities recommend a personal locator beacon (PLB) as essential equipment
- Authorities warn against planning bushwalks based on influencer social media content
What We Know
In the 12 months ending 30 June 2026, over 100 of the 375 emergency responses conducted by Tasmania Police involved hikers who had failed to take necessary precautions before venturing into the wild, according to the ABC.
Senior Constable Callum Herbert, of Tasmania Police's Search and Rescue unit, estimates that approximately one in four rescues involves a hiker inadequately prepared for the conditions of Tasmania's wilderness.
Brendan Moodie, a ranger at Cradle Mountain — an iconic summit in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, 165 km northwest of Hobart and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List — says he encounters ill-equipped hikers every day, particularly those without proper waterproof clothing.
A Couple Trapped on the Overland Track During Summer
During Australian summer 2025-2026, a hiking couple set out on the Overland Track — a six-day route through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On their first day, just after Marion's Lookout, they were struck by hail and wind gusts exceeding 50 km/h that knocked them over with each step.
The 2 km to Kitchen Hut refuge proved extremely perilous. The next morning, the husband found himself stuck in snow up to his waist and had to crawl on his belly for 30 metres to reach safe ground.
By the Numbers
375
Tasmania Police emergency responses (12 months to 30 June 2026)
> 100
Hikers lacking adequate preparation (~27 %)
1 in 4
Estimated proportion of rescues involving ill-equipped hikers
4:30 PM
Time darkness falls in winter in Tasmania (vs 6–7 PM on mainland)
Total emergency responses
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