A 43-year-old bushwalker's seven-day hike resulted in a rescue mission after weather conditions worsened on Sunday, August 9.
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Police said a man from Caringbah, Sydney, attended the Long Gully Campsite on Thursday (August 6), west of Ulladulla/Milton, to go bushwalking in the Morton National Park.
"He parked his vehicle with the intention of bushwalking for several days," a police spokesperson said.
"The male notified his friends and family of his intentions."
On Friday evening, August 7, police said the man messaged family, expressing concerns the river (Yadboro River) had doubled in size and was uncertain whether he'd be able to exit the area.
Police said the next contact he made was at 6.15am on Sunday, August 9.
"He activated his EPIRB Beacon at a location North of the Yadboro River in the Morton National Park South of Ulladulla," the police spokesperson said.
"An Air Ambulance Helicopter flew over the location and sighted the male who appeared in good condition."
However, police said the aircraft was unable to use its winch or land due to prevailing weather conditions.
A command post in Milton was established with a Rescue and Bomb Disposal Land Search Coordinator, SES, Ambulance Helicopter, NSW Police POLAIR along with Remote Wilderness Ambulance Crews.
Police believe the bushwalker's vehicle was underwater at the campground on Sunday
"There was no immediate access to the site due to localised flooding," the spokesperson said.
At 1.20pm, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Lifesaver 23 took advantage of changing weather conditions and was able to airlift the walker from bushland.
He was taken to Milton and assessed by paramedics.
"He was found to be in good health," the spokesperson said.
Police believe the bushwalker's vehicle was underwater at the campground on Sunday.
National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) said people intending to visit NSW national parks should check nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for safety advice before leaving home, including park and trail closures that may result from extreme weather events.
"As trails may be slippery following rain, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that visitors wear appropriate shoes or consider waiting until weather has improved," a NPWS spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said extended wet weather can cause issues with tree stability, particularly in areas that are fire-affected.
"For this reason we encourage visitors to be especially cautious, and consider not entering heavily forested areas unnecessarily until the weather improves," the spokesperson said.
"As fire-damaged trees may pose a safety hazard, NPWS closes all affected parks, reserves and trails until these have been checked and any necessary maintenance work is completed."