Tara Murray
Walkers are being reminded to remain vigilant when bushwalking, or hiking after two people had to be rescued from Lerderderg Gorge.
Bacchus Marsh SES members, along with paramedics, police and Parks Victoria rangers were called to the Gorge, near Bacchus Marsh, twice in as many days.
On December 29, SES crews and paramedics were required to hike for just over an hour until they were able to locate the injured hiker, who had fallen on a steep and isolated section of track.
Due to the remote location of the incident, an air ambulance helicopter was called to assist in the safe removal of the patient from the site.
The following evening, volunteers once again returned to the Gorge, to assist police in locating a lost hiker alongside Parks Victoria.
The crews located the lost male within 90 minutes and were able to escort him back to the car park.
Bacchus Marsh unit controller Bill Robson warned hikers to be prepared for what was ahead of them.
“Don’t underestimate the terrain,” Robson said. “There are trees down in certain areas and washed-out tracks following recent rain
“Our volunteers are always committed to the safety of our community and are ready to respond twenty-four-seven, but we’d love people to be well prepared and take appropriate precautions.”
The Lerderderg Gorge is not a simple walking trail. It is complex, steep, rutted, slippery and loose underfoot.
The Lerderderg River track lies between two high ridges with wet conditions and an early dusk, which increases the risk of serious injury from slips and falls.
An SES spokesperson said both incidents were a timely reminder for all Victorians when bushwalking or hiking.
“When planning your walk, use trusted sources of information like the Parks Victoria website,” they said.
“Visitor guides on park specific pages have maps and information about walking difficulty and estimated duration, based on the Australian Walking Track Grading System.”
