The dangers of being unprepared in the outdoors

Two hikers found dead near Mt Bogong as locals warn of alpine danger

Two women, believed to be in their 20s or 30s, were found dead last week near Cleve Cole Hut in Victoria’s alpine region, north-east of Falls Creek. Police believe the pair may have died from severe hypothermia after weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. Formal identification is still underway.

Local residents are once again warning about the dangers of the High Country. Keith Jackson, president of the Mount Bogong Club, said alpine weather can change within minutes — even in warmer months. Without the right gear, he warned, hikers can be caught unprepared and face serious risk. Moreover, gale-force winds can push wind chill as low as –20 °C to –40 °C, greatly increasing the chance of hypothermia. In exposed areas, sudden gusts can even knock hikers off their feet.

Similarly, Rod Drill from Bogong Jacks Tavern said many visitors underestimate just how harsh the mountains can be. He explained that recent snow and strong winds have made conditions “tricky,” and despite ongoing warnings, awareness remains low. Unfortunately, this tragedy adds to a long history of deaths on Mt Bogong. The mountain’s namesake, Cleve Cole, died there in 1936, and the treacherous south-eastern face has claimed several lives since.

Full story from ABC News:  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-06/mount-bogong-hiker-deaths-warning/105856534

Refer to Outdoors Queensland website for Outdoor Safety Information https://outdoorsqueensland.com.au/resources/outdoor-safety/