The death of a 77-year-old woman in a remote area of northern WA should serve as another reminder to grey nomads and all other travellers to take extreme caution in wilderness areas, particularly on hot days.
The body of the woman, who was from Queensland, was found close to a remote access road near Mount Augustus, about 1,000 kilometres north of Perth, on Sunday.
The alarm was raised when she failed to return to Mount Augustus tourist park from a trip out to the monolith.
WA Police Mid West Gascoyne District Inspector Scott Morrissey said it was a tragedy.
“At some point she appears to have bogged her vehicle on the access road that circles Mount Augustus,” he told the ABC.
There have been severe heatwave conditions in parts of northern WA. PIC: Pexels
“We surmise from there she has left her vehicle and tried to return to the tourist park …. due to the extreme heatwave that’s being experienced out there, it’s clearly taken its toll on her.”
Temperatures in the area were in the high 40s over the weekend, with trails up to the summit closed during summer months following the death of four hikers back in 2020.
The WA Department of Health has issued a warning for inland parts of the Pilbara, Mid West, Gascoyne and northern Goldfields as extreme and severe heatwave conditions continue across the areas.
The elderly and very young are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of heatwaves.
Inspector Morrissey told the ABC there were important steps people should take when visiting remote areas, including letting someone know their plans.
“If you are travelling remotely and your vehicle does become stuck, always stay with your vehicle,” he said. “You should carry plenty of food and water, at least enough for a couple days.”
Sadly, it is easy to become disorientated when walking and there are plenty of grey nomads, like Tony and Lesley Melville, who can recall a very close shave. The couple had the scare of their lives a few years ago after getting lost in remote country. They tell their story here.
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Have being there IN AUGUST ,great temps ok WINTER
Has being few incidents there PEOPLE GOING WRONG time of year,Think lady should have known this ?
Best type of caravan,camper trailer or other l have just retired my wife is from Barbados she wants to do the big lap our continent is so large diverse.l would like to know type possible try before buying.
Thank you all who can help Rolf