Stark warnings are issued to those intending to venture into Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park.
Sadly, the warnings were not enough to prevent the death of a Chinese tourist in the popular wilderness area on Friday night.
Signs describing the dangerous weather and the necessary safety equipment are erected at the park’s visitor centre, and the following safety message appears on the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) website:
Cradle Mountain tourist dies after group ‘overwhelmed’
“Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of year.
“Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather.”
Despite being one of the state’s most popular — and widely advertised — tourism destinations, Cradle Mountain can also be one of the most dangerous.
After another tragedy, questions are being asked about what more could be done to ensure the safety of visitors.
Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most widely advertised tourism destinations but can also be one of the most dangerous.
Walking group ‘overwhelmed’ by the weather
Tasmania Police Inspector Steve Jones said the woman who died — who was visiting the park with three others — was the victim of suspected hypothermia.
“The group did not have appropriate equipment, including a personal locator beacon, and were unable to call for assistance when they first realised they needed help,” Inspector Jones said.
He said the group had hiked to Marion’s Lookout, and then ventured towards the Scout Hut via the Horse Track after consulting a map.
Inspector Jones said the group had become exhausted on the Horse Track, where the weather had set in and “overwhelmed” them.
He said the group was confronted by “all kinds” of weather, including hail, rain, sleet and snow.
They were then found by other walkers, who raised the alarm and rendered first aid.
A rescue party found the group and camped with them overnight, before carrying the woman’s body and escorting the three surviving members out on Saturday morning.
Communication, preparedness ongoing issues
The president of the North West Walking Club, Philip Hays, has helped tourists at Cradle Mountain in similar weather in the past.
He said in that instance a group with limited English had followed a well-prepared group into the national park before realising they had gone too far, and did not know how to return.
Weather conditions can change quickly. (Supplied: Cru Scanlan)
Mr Hays helped lead them to safety, saying they did not have the appropriate clothing for wet or cold weather or any substantial supplies.
‘Zoom in’ and see how in danger these tourists were, police say
“[There was] hail and wind, fortunately not too much rain, so they didn’t get too wet,” he said.
He said he had difficulty communicating with the group, and that the risks in Tasmania’s wilderness should be clearly stated to tourists in multiple languages at hotels and on public transport.
He also emphasised the need for personal responsibility.
“The individuals themselves should be more adequately prepared if they’re given notice of what the expectation is,” he said.
“I don’t feel you can hold Parks or the government responsible.”
Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather, the PWS warns. (Facebook: Chad Hooper)
Death a ‘tragic warning’, says premier
Speaking on Monday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff shared his condolences for the family and loved ones of the woman who died.
‘The freezing level’ that stops helicopter rescues
“This is a tragic warning to all visitors,” Mr Rockliff said.
“Whenever you go walking in the wilderness, conditions can change very, very quickly, so preparation is the key.”
Mr Rockliff was asked if stationing more rangers in the park, or conducting gear checks on walkers, would be implemented to ensure safety.
He stopped short of making any commitments.
“We’ll be open to exploring options to ensure travellers to Tasmania — and those experiencing the wonderful attributes of our rugged wilderness — are doing it safely,” he said.
The premier says he is exploring options to ensure travellers are exploring wilderness safely. (Supplied: Nathan Mattinson)
Following the death of a Chinese tourist from hypothermia on the multi-day Overland Track hike in 2014, a coroner recommended a range of safety measures for walkers.
Going hiking? You should take a locator beacon — here’s how to use it
The recommendations were specific to those hiking the Overland Track, which starts in the same area of the weekend’s tragedy.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart recommended the PWS explore what powers it has to prevent people from embarking on the walk if they are unprepared, and ensure safety information is displayed in multiple languages online and at the park visitor centre.
Parks don’t have authority to prevent, detain walkers
A PWS spokesperson said the safety of visitors to its parks and reserves was of “utmost importance”.
They said translation of the website had been made available, and that the Overland Track webpage features a safety video that has both English and Chinese subtitles.
“There is also clear multilingual signage alerting walkers to safety information, changing conditions and preparation required for walkers at the Cradle Mountain National Park Visitor Centre,” they said.
The spokesperson said PWS staff did not have the authority to prevent or detain members of the public who wish to access tracks.
They said hikers must check forecasts, be flexible with their plans and ensure they are properly equipped with weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, adequate food and water, first-aid kit, communication device, physical map, portable battery bank and personal locator beacon.