Rescuers are working to recover the bodies of two women found near a hut in a remote alpine region.
Two hikers walking in Nelse found the women's bodies near Cleve Cole Hut about 12.50pm on Friday.
The hikers alerted authorities, who travelled to the remote location northeast of the popular Falls Creek ski resort in Victoria's alpine region.
Although the women's identities are unknown, police believe they were aged in their 20s or 30s and might have been in the area to hike and camp.
Authorities are expected to resume the rescue mission on Saturday after harsh conditions and the remote location forced them to camp overnight.
Cleve Cole Hut is a popular stop for hikers heading to Mt Bogong, and is usually surrounded by gums and alpine grasslands during winter.
It comes as the region's