Family rescued from camping trip

A Bunyip family was rescued by police airwing on Sunday afternoon after being bogged in bush land north of Maffra for five days.

All family members – a 34-yearold man, 36-year-old woman and four children including two girls aged 10 and 12-years-old, two boys aged eight and two, and two dogs – were rescued safe and well with no injuries.

The family was airlifted out after fog cleared on Sunday afternoon.

Police initiated a search and rescue effort for the family late Saturday after the family had failed to return home last Wednesday.

While family and friends were not sure where the family had travelled to, they had failed to return home by their expected return date on Wednesday.

Police announced on Saturday night the family was missing and urged four-wheel drivers and campers in the Aberfeldy, Bemm River, Woodside and alpine areas to keep an eye out for the family.

However, police made contact with Dave Davies on Sunday when he was able to get mobile reception.

Police announced at 1pm on Sunday the family had become stranded when their vehicle was bogged and airwing would need to rescue the family.

The family had set out from their Bunyip home on June 29 for a week long camping trip to the Avon Wilderness Area.

Police spoke to Mr Davies on Sunday morning. He said their car had become bogged on the Avon Track on Wednesday.

Unable to call for assistance due to the lack of mobile reception, and trapped by flooded waterways, the family was unable to seek help.

On Sunday, police said the father climbed to higher ground where he had enough phone reception for the call from police to be received.

Police said they were experienced campers and well equipped with food, water and warm clothing to await rescue.

The family did not want to speak to media yesterday but used social media to thank family and friends.

“Your thoughts and support at this time are just insanely overwhelming, we are deeply touched by your concern,” they said.

The family thanked everyone involved in the search, particularly police airwing members.