A man and woman have been airlifted to safety in the early hours of Saturday morning after an overnight search.

The couple had been on a walk in Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay area, a popular tourist destination.

At about 2:40am, a rescue helicopter located the middle-aged couple, who police described as cold and tired.

Tasmania police say search and rescue teams were sent at about 11pm on Friday after a concerned relative reported the pair had become uncontactable.

Police say the incident is a timely reminder for bushwalkers to carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices.

More Tasmania newsA man with short light coloured hair stands at a professional sports oval, the seats are blue and the oval is bright greenA man with short light coloured hair stands at a professional sports oval, the seats are blue and the oval is bright green