Warnings have been issued for visitors to Tasmania's Cradle Mountain National Park following the death of a Chinese tourist on Friday night. The park's visitor center displays signs about hazardous weather and necessary safety equipment. The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) emphasizes that conditions in Tasmania can change rapidly, especially in alpine regions, where snow, rain, wind, and sun can occur at any time of year.

The tourist was part of a group that became overwhelmed by extreme weather conditions. Tasmania Police Inspector Steve Jones reported that the woman died from suspected hypothermia. The group, which included three others, lacked essential equipment, such as a personal locator beacon, which would have allowed them to call for help when they realized they were in trouble.

The group had hiked to Marion's Lookout and then attempted to reach the Scout Hut via the Horse Track. As they continued, they encountered severe weather, including hail, rain, sleet, and snow, which exhausted them. Other hikers found the group and alerted authorities, who provided first aid. A rescue team camped with the group overnight before escorting the three survivors out on Saturday morning and recovering the woman's body.

Philip Hays, president of the North West Walking Club, noted that he has previously assisted tourists in similar conditions. He recounted an incident where a group with limited English followed a well-prepared group into the park but became lost. Hays emphasized the importance of clear communication about the risks in Tasmania's wilderness, suggesting that safety information should be available in multiple languages at hotels and on public transport. He also stressed the need for personal responsibility among hikers, stating, "The individuals themselves should be more adequately prepared if they're given notice of what the expectation is."

Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed condolences to the victim's family and described the incident as a "tragic warning" to all visitors. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of wilderness conditions and the importance of preparation. When asked about increasing ranger presence or conducting gear checks, Rockliff did not commit to specific actions but mentioned the need to explore options for ensuring visitor safety.

This incident follows a previous tragedy in 2014, when a Chinese tourist died from hypothermia on the Overland Track. A coroner recommended several safety measures for hikers, including the need for the PWS to assess its authority to prevent unprepared individuals from starting the hike and to provide safety information in multiple languages. The PWS has been contacted for comments regarding these recommendations and the recent death.