Two Women Found Dead in Victoria’s High Country
Emergency services are working to recover the bodies of two women who died in Victoria’s high country after they were found by hikers near the Cleve Cole Hut in the remote area of Nelse, about 400km north-east of Melbourne. The discovery took place on Friday afternoon, with authorities reporting the sighting around 12:50 pm.
Police said uniform officers, together with the state search and rescue squad and air wing, responded to the isolated scene and made their way to the location in the alpine terrain. The hut and surrounding ridge lines lie in rugged country near Mount Bogong, the highest peak in Victoria, a draw for hikers and campers who explore the high country during the warmer months.
The identities of the women are not known at this stage. Early indications suggest they may be in their 20s or 30s and were in the area for hiking and camping activities. Police noted that, as of the report, there were no known missing person reports that could be linked to the discovery and appealed to the public for information to assist in identifying those involved.
Due to the conditions and the isolated nature of the terrain, police officers and rescue personnel set up camp at the scene on Friday night to support the recovery operation. Emergency services were expected to undertake the difficult task of retrieving the bodies from Mount Bogong on Saturday, with an update anticipated in the afternoon as the work progressed.
Authorities emphasised that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this stage, and the focus remains on identification and recovery efforts in challenging alpine conditions. Further details are expected to be released once authorities have more information from investigators and the recovery teams.
Background on the area
The Victorian high country is known for its unpredictable weather, steep terrain, and remote huts like Cleve Cole Hut, which require careful planning and readiness from hikers. The incident underscores the importance of travel plans, shared location updates, and awareness of fit-for-purpose equipment when exploring high-altitude areas such as Mount Bogong and surrounding ridges.
Tasmania update
In related regional safety news, Tasmanian police reported a major extraction operation on Friday after a woman died during a Franklin River rafting trip. Eleven people were rescued and treated at the scene as search and rescue teams, helicopters, and wilderness paramedics assisted near the Livingston Rivulet and the Coruscades rapid. Investigations indicate the raft flipped, and a 49-year-old woman from southern Tasmania died. The group, believed to include friends from Tasmania and interstate, had outdoor experience, and police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As this story develops, authorities urge anyone with information or potential sightings related to the Victorian incident to come forward. The high country remains an area where conditions can change rapidly, and investigators will provide updates as more information becomes available.
