Tasmanian bushwalkers urged to be prepared for all conditions this summer

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Tasmania's national parks are the bedrock of its multibillion-dollar tourism industry. But as search-and-rescue operations increase, authorities say a concerning number of bushwalkers are not prepared for the fickle conditions.

Transcript

00:00Sunshine one minute, snowing the next.

00:07We're having fun!

00:09Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's biggest drawcards,

00:12welcoming 270,000 visitors a year.

00:15But Ranger in Charge Brendan Moody says many don't realise

00:19how quickly the weather can change.

00:22He says incorrect clothing is landing some hikers in trouble.

00:27I've seen it drop 20 degrees in 20 minutes up in the Alpine areas up here

00:33and that can catch a lot of people out.

00:36Search and rescue operations are increasing in Tasmania

00:40and this year there have been multiple tragedies in the state's wilderness.

00:45In September an overseas tourist died while on a day walk at Cradle Mountain.

00:51Rescue expert Constable Dean Wotherspoon can't remember an operation

00:56in more challenging conditions.

00:59These people unfortunately got cold and wet

01:03and as a result of that things ended in tragedy.

01:10He says would-be bushwalkers need to ensure they're up to the task.

01:15The Overland Track is an iconic walk but it's not an easy walk.

01:19You can't have realistically never done an overnight walk

01:24and then turn up to do the Overland Track.

01:28It's blue skies now but just ten minutes ago Cradle Mountain behind me

01:32was not visible due to the heavy snowfall,

01:34demonstrating just how fickle weather conditions can be.

01:38Brendan Moody says social media plays an important role in promoting Tasmania

01:43but it can also be misleading.

01:46Unfortunately some people just go by what they see on social media

01:50instead of going to the official parks website for the information.

01:55Tourism Tasmania says all visitors need to take precautions

01:59when experiencing the state's wilderness.

02:02That's enough to be streamlined.

02:18Don't forget to check out the details.

02:21If you want to submit your lap, you can forget to announce the bars and the

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