Moments before he fell to his death walking on one of Australia's most challenging mountains, a keen bushwalker decided to turn back.
The incident, involving a 30-year-old Victorian man who was in Tasmania with his partner in December 2024, has prompted a safety reminder.
The pair started the Eastern Arthur Range multi-day hike on December 22 and set off for the "notoriously difficult" Federation Peak on December 30 with a person they met at a campground.
They had difficulty finding the path as there was no established track, but found a route with marked rocks after advice from other walkers.
The trio encountered a rock wall mentioned in a guidebook and then noticed they were surrounded by exposed drops.
"The group decided to return back down fearing that it was unsafe to continue," a coronial report into the incident, published on Friday, said.
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The man then disappeared out of sight, before his companions heard a "gasp-like sound followed by at least two distant thuds".
They quickly returned to camp and set off their personal locator beacons.
A search and rescue helicopter arrived about one hour later and dropped off some searchers but was unable to search the location of the fall due to cloud.
The following morning, the man's body was found at the base of Federation Peak.
Coroner Madeleine Wilson said the group had taken appropriate clothing and supplies and allowed themselves 10 days to complete the walk.
She said Federation Peak was an "ambitious choice" for a first Tasmanian bushwalk, noting there have been two other deaths on the mountain since 2024.
The man was fit and bushwalked most weekends with his partner.
Five months before his death, they completed the 12-day Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory before setting sights on one of his bucket list climbs, Federation Peak.
The coroner described Federation Peak as "notoriously difficult".
Ms Wilson recommended all walkers refer to Tasmania's parks website for accurate and relevant information, including preparation advice and safety messaging.
"Federation Peak is 1225m high and has a reputation as one of Australia's most challenging bushwalking goals," she said.
"The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse, and particularly the ascent of Federation Peak, is a challenging walk which should only be undertaken by highly experienced walkers and if within the individual's capabilities.
"In particular, walkers should consider whether their experience is relevant and comparable to the hike to be undertaken."
