Halls Gap police and Stawell SES rescuse hikers

EMERGENCY services were called to another two Grampians rescues at the weekend.

The incidents come a week after State Emergency Services warned hikers to be aware of treacherous conditions. 

On Saturday a 10-year-old girl went missing in the Grampians for two hours after separating from her walking party. 

Halls Gap police and Stawell State Emergency Service were sent to search for the girl at dusk. 

He said the girl was walking with her mother and others along Splitters Fools track, Halls Gap. 

The girl were located by her walking party about 8pm. 

Halls Gap Sergeant Scott Olsen praised the girls actions. 

“She was in a good condition when located,” he said.

“She found her way back to the car. 

“The party had cars at the start and end of the walk and she made her way back to the car at the start.

“She did the right thing and stayed at the car when she realised her mum wasn’t there.”

On Sunday night, emergency services rescued four tourists who became lost after veering off the Pinnacle track, Halls Gap. 

Sgt Olsen said the four Colombian tourists were aged between 22 and 28 years. 

He said the tourists became lost at nightfall and were unprepared for the hike.

“They became disorientated with the onset of darkness while attempting the Pinnacle track to Halls Gap,” he said.

“They missed the track back towards Halls Gap and ended up heading towards to Wonderland track.

“They had no torches, no light and their mobile was close to flat.”

Sgt Olsen said it was disappointing tourists were unprepared for the hike.

“It was reckless with the time they left,” he said.

“Th signs all say it’s a three hour hike, they left at 3pm so it was going to be dark by the time they reached the Pinnacle.”

Sgt Olsen said the hikers were dressed for the conditions but did not have torches, water or other essential supplies.

“We were able to access their location via mobile and sent a party of police and SES,” he said.

“They were located at Silent Street near the Pinnacle.”