Family of six rescued after becoming bogged in East Gippsland region

A Victorian family of six reported missing after they failed to return from a camping trip have been rescued, five days after they became bogged in a national park.

The family, accompanied by their dogs, were due to return from the week-long trip to the Avon Wilderness park north of Maffra on Wednesday, but failed to return to their Bunyip home when expected.

Senior Constable Bill Verspaandonk said the air rescue unit landed, but did not need to be used.

“It’s a fantastic result, everyone’s safe, the dogs are well and it’s all over,” Snr Constable Verspaandonk said.

“They were basically stranded by the rising floodwaters [in their car] so they couldn’t go forwards or backwards.”

Police spoke to the 34-year-old father this morning, who said the group had become bogged in the flooded waterway on the Avon Track on Wednesday, and had no phone reception.

The man was able to climb to higher ground today, where he was able to notify police.

Police said the family were prepared for “below freezing” conditions.

“They’re very experienced and were well prepared,” Snr Constable Verspaandonk said.

They had more than ample supplies to last the two weeks that they have.”

None of the family - including the man’s 36-year-old wife, 12-year-old daughter, and sons aged 10, eight and two - were injured.

Local police, the air wing and SES members had scoured the East Gippsland region for the family who set out for their camping trip on June 29.