As Australia’s snow season intensifies across its alpine regions, a second group of hikers is currently being rescued in Victoria following a challenging blizzard rescue in New South Wales on Sunday.
The latest hikers encountered trouble on the Wonnangatta walking track in Victoria’s northeast, located between Mount Buller and Mount Hotham. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed around noon Monday that the rescue operation was underway and the pair were being guided out of the area.
This rescue follows emergency efforts over the weekend where authorities used snowmobiles to reach a convoy of vehicles stranded in heavy snow near Mount Hotham on Saturday night.
Police have warned snow-goers to comply with road closure signs to help emergency services continue their search and assist anyone who may still require rescue. They also urged the public to closely monitor weather conditions and ensure vehicles are properly equipped for winter travel.
Millions of Australians woke to freezing temperatures Monday morning. Feel-like temperatures fell below zero in parts of Sydney, reaching as low as -5°C in Katoomba—where snow is possible—and -2°C in Sutherland Shire. In Orange, NSW, a light snowfall dusted roads as temperatures dropped to minus three degrees.
Helen Reid of the Bureau of Meteorology said the sudden cold took many by surprise. “We have these lovely days, and all of a sudden, ‘wham’, the temperature drops,” she explained. The low-pressure system causing the cold has moved east but continues to bring a southerly flow.
Earlier, near Mount Kosciuszko at Mount Carruthers, a 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard about three kilometers from the summit on Saturday. Rescue efforts were hindered by whiteout conditions and strong winds. NSW State Emergency Service, police, paramedics, and rescue squads attempted to reach the hikers. Although rescuers came within 1.2 kilometers by noon Saturday, worsening weather forced a retreat. Specialist teams took over and reached the pair unharmed early Sunday.
Monaro police Acting Inspector Andrew Woods stressed the importance of preparation for alpine visitors, recommending the Think Before Trek guide. He urged hikers to monitor forecasts closely and submit trip intentions through National Parks and Wildlife Services forms. He also strongly encouraged carrying personal locator beacons.
Since the official start of Australia’s ski season, Mount Kosciuszko resorts have recorded up to 30 centimeters of snow. Meanwhile, in Victoria, 13 people were trapped in their cars near Mount Hotham after becoming snowed in around 10:50 p.m. Saturday. They remained stuck for approximately 19 hours as over 50 centimeters of snow fell. A man in his 40s suffered minor injuries when his vehicle rolled, and a fire truck sent to assist also became immobilized.
Rescuers used snowmobiles to access the Blue Rag Range Track near Dargo High Plains Road. Emergency services confirmed those stranded had sufficient food, water, and shelter.
The cold snap stretches across much of southern and southeastern Australia. At Ben Nevis in Victoria’s southwest, 30 km/h winds dropped the “feels-like” temperature to -2.4°C by 10 a.m. Monday. Melbourne’s forecasted high is 14°C as it prepares to host the AFL’s annual Big Freeze Fight MND fundraiser at the MCG, with temperatures expected to stay below 15°C throughout the week.
In Tasmania, strong winds approaching 40 km/h at Launceston Airport created a chill factor around 1.6°C. Western Australia’s metropolitan and southern coasts are under strong wind warnings, including a gale warning for Albany.
Related Topics
- Winter Blast Strands Travelers as Heavy Snowfall Hits Southeastern Australia
- Embracing Nature This Summer Without Shame
- Camping in Australia: An Increasingly Expensive Leisure Activity