National

Hikers bodies discovered in blizzard conditions

By AAP Newswire

Oct 4, 2025

Police recovered two bodies that were discovered on Mount Bogong — Police recovered the bodies of two women that were discovered by hikers near a remote alpine hut. -PR HANDOUT

Two hikers who were found unresponsive near a remote alpine hut likely died from hypothermia after being caught in blizzard conditions.

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Police recovered the bodies of two women who were discovered by a pair of hikers near Cleve Cole Hut about 12.50pm on Friday.

The hikers alerted search crews, who travelled to the remote location northeast of the popular Falls Creek ski resort in Victoria's alpine region.

Inspector Paul Hargreaves said the conditions were "exceptionally hard", noting the weather could quickly turn "dangerous and unfavourable".

"The weather in the last two to three days has been down as low as minus 2.8 degrees, winds up around 83 kilometres an hour and snow falling," he told reporters on Saturday.

"It's likely the two people have succumbed to the weather conditions, causing severe hypothermia leading to their death."

The women's identities are unknown, but they are believed to be in their 20s or 30s and might have been in the area to hike and camp.

Insp Hargreaves said the bodies might have been at the location for two to three days before being discovered.

Cleve Cole Hut is a popular stop for hikers heading to Mt Bogong, and is usually surrounded by gums and alpine grassland in winter.

The location could be accessed only from tracks, Insp Hargreaves said.

"The (tracks) are arduous to get to, and if you do not have the right conditions and certainly the right equipment, it becomes very dangerous," he said.

"It is not unfamiliar for police to have to rescue people from these areas."

It comes as the region's snow season draws to a close, with only six lifts still operating at the Falls Creek resort.

Police are appealing for public help to identify the women, whose deaths appear not to be suspicious.

The tragedy follows a separate incident in Tasmania, where police recovered a large group from a remote part of the state's southwest.

A rafting trip turned deadly when a raft flipped in the rapids of the Franklin River, resulting in the drowning of a 49-year-old woman.

Members of the party attempted CPR but she could not be revived.

The remaining members of the group were rescued by helicopter on Friday.

"This is a tragic incident in what was planned as an adventure for a group of friends who shared a passion for the Tasmanian wilderness," Acting Inspector Russell Judges said.