A 74-year-old man who went hiking to Mount Tenant was rescued by a search and rescue team after he couldn't find his way back along the trail in the dark.
Personnel from the Australian Federal Police team and ACT Ambulance's remote access paramedics found the stranded hiker about 9pm and escorted him back to his vehicle.
The man, who called for help on July 1, is among five people who found themselves stranded in bushland last month.
Police launched a search for two dirt bikers who also lost their way on a track on July 14. The pair eventually found phone coverage, called 000 and gave police their location using the what3words app.
The app assigns a unique three-word combination for every 3 metre square in the world and is accepted by Australian emergency services.
"The men were found about 9pm by officers from ACT Policing and NSWPF uninjured but cold and fatigued," a police spokesperson said.
In a similar situation, ACT Policing's rural patrol officers came across a two-wheel-drive sedan bogged in snow on the weekend on July 28.
The man, 21, inside the car told officers he and his friend, 22, had become stranded after coming across a felled tree blocking the trail.
Police helped clear the scene about 7pm, the friend - who had gone to look for help on foot - returned with another driver. The sedan was rescued by officers and the other driver.
The three rescues have prompted police, emergency services and ACT Parks and Conservation Service to issue a warning to Canberrans about exploring the bush during colder months.
Senior constable Angus Fergusson from ACT Policing's rural patrol stressed the importance of preparedness and planning before heading out for recreational activities
"This most recent incident is particularly concerning, as these young men weren't dressed appropriately for the conditions, had no warm clothing, food or equipment with them in case of a situation like the one they found themselves in," Senior Constable Fergusson said.
"Following these incidents, it's a timely reminder for anyone planning to head out bush to plan ahead and be prepared.
"The days are shorter so if you are going out, make sure you have plenty of daylight for your return trip. There's nothing wrong with turning back early and trying again another day."
He also requested people to inform others in advance of their intended route and the time they expected to return.
"Mobile phone service can be unreliable, and in the event you are unable to contact emergency services, it is crucial someone else knows where you were heading."
Police reminded anyone intending to head out when cold conditions are forecast to:
- Wear appropriate clothing (including carrying additional clothes and wet weather gear)
- Carry navigation equipment such as maps, a compass or GPS
- Take some form of shelter (even if you aren't planning to stay overnight)
- Carry extra food and water
- Let friends and family know where you are going and when you are due to return
- Use the bushwalking registers available at the trail head of many popular walks
- Download the "what three words" and "Emergency Plus +" app to assist in confirming your location
- Carry a personal locator beacon (These are available for hire through park visitor centres including the Namadgi Visitor Centre)
- Plan your trip (recognising your physical ability)
For more safety advice, visit the ACT Parks website.
