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AAP
AAP
Ethan James

Hikers rescued less than a week after tourist death

Snow has fallen around Cradle Mountain's popular bushwalking trails as temperatures plunge. (HANDOUT/TASMANIA POLICE)

Two bushwalkers with mild hypothermia are being rescued from rugged wilderness, less than a week after a tourist died in the same area.

The pair activated an emergency beacon at 7.15pm on Wednesday in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain National Park, but an attempt to reach them by helicopter was called off in bad weather. 

An on-foot search and rescue group reached the bushwalkers and were expected to walk with them to safety on Thursday morning. 

They were given treatment for mild hypothermia.

Search and rescue crews (file image)
Rescue crews were sent to help bushwalkers in tough weather conditions. (HANDOUT/TASMANIA POLICE)

Temperatures in the national park reached zero degrees on Thursday morning - snow has fallen in the area in the past week. 

It comes less than a week after a female Chinese tourist died in the national park after being "overcome" by weather conditions while walking with a group. 

The group had been on a day walk but did not have appropriate equipment and were initially helped by a group of fellow bushwalkers. 

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was open to implementing additional safety precautions, such as stationing more rangers or conducting gear checks, to improve safety. 

"This is a tragic warning to all visitors," Mr Rockliff told reporters. 

"Whenever you go walking in the wilderness, conditions can change very, very quickly. Preparation is the key."

Cradle Mountain in Tasmania (file image)
Police warn Tasmania's weather can change quickly in the alpine areas. (Simone Ziaziaris/AAP PHOTOS)

Cradle Mountain is home to the popular multi-day Overland Track, described as Australia's premier alpine walk.

Tasmania Police renewed advice for people hiking in the state after the death.

"Tasmania's weather can change very quickly, particularly in the alpine areas," Inspector Steve Jones said.

"This means there are times ... when we can't deploy the helicopter and it takes time for a ground search and rescue team to walk into remote areas." 

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