A group of students were stranded in Springbrook National Park for 10 hours overnight after becoming lost.
The three women and two men, aged in their late teens and early 20s, became lost while hiking in the park about 7.30pm on Sunday.
Emergency services worked to find the group overnight, finding them within three hours and helping them to safety by 4.30am on Monday.
An aerial rescue was not possible due to the time and lack of light.
The group were not hurt and did not require hospitalisation.
They had strayed from the designated track and got lost, Acting Superintendent Kayleen James said.
They called emergency services when they realised they needed assistance and provided their location.
“It was ground crews that went in and rescued them, and it was quite a trek to get to them. Some very rough terrain around that area.
“I don’t know about their level of experience, but the fact that they strayed off the track, they were experienced enough to contact emergency services.”
James urged hikers to prioritise safety by telling someone where they planned to hike and taking supplies such as food, water and a phone.
“They were very lucky,” she said.
“I think they were very grateful that there was help on the way.”
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