The hikers decided to hike to the top of The Pinnacle late in the afternoon, but it became dark when they were walking back from the top of the pinnacle, Halls Gap Police Station Senior Constable Kelly Harris said. 

The hikers called police about 6pm for assistance, Senior Constable Harris said. 

“The hikers became stranded approximately one kilometre from the Wonderland carpark,” Senior Constable Harris said. 

“Police from Stawell Police escorted them out.

“It gets dark quickly now and they were not prepared. The only lighting they had was from their phones.”

Senior Constable Harris said it was a timely reminder for hikers to be prepared for their hike and to carry a backpack with the essentials.