Lost family located near Meander Falls

The group planned to undertake the Split Rock Track circuit to the falls and back when things went awry. 

At 5.30 pm on Wednesday, 27 April, Tasmania Police received an emergency call from an Invermay man stating that he was lost with his two young children, aged 10 and 11 years, near the Meander Falls track.

The group left for their walk at 10.30 am that morning with a plan to undertake the Split Rock Track circuit to the falls and back.

Police attended the area at 6.30 pm and located the family’s Mitsubishi still parked in the carpark but could not find the family.

A search commenced with the assistance of Tasmania Police Search and Rescue, Northern State Emergency Service volunteers and paramedics, who arrived at the scene around 9.30 pm.

Thirteen people took part in the search resulting in the group being located at around 2.45am, 16 hours after the family had begun their walk, 150m off the formed track near the falls.

They were all wet and cold and required medical attention at the scene for mild hypothermia.

The group were returned to Meander Falls campsite to rest and warm up but were found to be otherwise physically well.

After an additional two-hour walk, the family and searchers returned to the Meander Falls Carpark around 6 am.

Weather conditions prevented the use of any rescue aircraft.

Since inclement weather is fast approaching, Tasmania Police would like to remind walkers to prepare for mishaps and delays. Let someone know where you are walking and what time you are expected back.

It is always a good idea to take a personal locator beacon such as a PLB or Spot device to assist with locating walkers who may become lost or injured.