Discovery in the Victorian high country
Two hikers discovered the bodies of two women on Friday afternoon near Cleve Cole Hut, a remote shelter in Victoria’s high country. The find location is near Nelse, about 400km north-east of Melbourne, in an area renowned for its rugged terrain and alpine conditions. Police said the pair, believed to be in their 20s or 30s, were not identified at the scene and that there are no initial indications the deaths are suspicious. Officials emphasised that the discovery prompted an immediate response from emergency services as teams moved to secure the isolated site.
Emergency response and scene management
Uniform officers, together with Victoria’s search and rescue squad and the air wing, responded to the remote location and established a temporary command near Mount Bogong. Given the challenging terrain and the high-country environment, personnel assessed the best approach to recover the bodies while ensuring safety for responders. Because the scene is difficult to access, authorities camped at the location overnight to support ongoing operations and coordinate the effort with helicopters and ground crews as conditions permitted.
Identity and missing-person considerations
As investigations began, police indicated that the identities of the two women were not known and that there were no current missing-person reports matching their descriptions. They appealed to the public for information that could help with identification or provide context about who was in the area for hiking or camping. The absence of an obvious connection to any known incident underscores the importance of community information in these backcountry cases.
Safety reminders for high-country exploration
The Victorian high country attracts visitors for its beauty and remoteness, but the terrain also presents serious risks. Authorities stress the importance of planning—sharing itineraries, carrying reliable communication devices, and traveling with companions. Hikers should be prepared for sudden weather changes, limited access to help, and physically demanding conditions. The incident serves as a sober reminder for backcountry travellers to prioritise safety, check local conditions, and carry appropriate gear for remote environments.
What comes next
Police investigations will continue as authorities work to determine how the women came to be in this secluded area and whether any other people were involved. An official update from Victoria Police is expected on Saturday afternoon, with further details on the recovery and findings from the scene. Until then, investigators will maintain a careful, methodical approach to ensure all aspects of the incident are thoroughly reviewed and documented.
