A young couple found themselves stranded in Far North Queensland after their vehicle became bogged down while travelling on the Cape Melville Track, located over 1500 kilometres from Brisbane. The pair, a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, got stuck late last week and ended up spending three days in the area.
Efforts by police to locate the couple via land were hindered due to closed and impassable roads resulting from wet weather conditions. During their ordeal, the couple set up a makeshift camp while waiting for assistance. Fortunately, they had enough food and water to sustain themselves, despite being in a remote location that lacked access to clean drinking water and shops.
A police helicopter eventually rescued the duo, who were found with only minor cuts and abrasions. Queensland Police shared footage of the dramatic rescue, highlighting the couple’s decision to remain with their vehicle, which is often advised in such situations.
Special Constable Adam Tickner from Queensland Police noted the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while exploring the challenging terrain of Cape Melville, particularly during the wet season. He emphasised that the region’s roads are closed for safety reasons and warned of limited phone reception.
For anyone planning to traverse the Cape, he recommended ensuring proper preparations, such as having a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, carrying recovery gear, spare parts, first aid supplies, and sufficient food, water, and fuel. Cape Melville National Park is closed annually from December 1 to July 31 due to accessibility issues.