It started as a simple day trip but turned into a harrowing tale of survival. For five long days, 48-year-old Lillian was stranded in the Australian bush with nothing but wine, lollipops, and sheer determination.
On Sunday, April 30, Lillian set out to explore the rugged High Country of Victoria. She planned to visit Dartmouth Dam but took a wrong turn down Yankee Point Track. Her car got stuck in the mud, cutting her off from civilization—and from mobile reception.
Health issues prevented her from walking for help, leaving her stranded in the wilderness with minimal supplies: a bottle of wine meant as a gift for her mother, a handful of snacks, and some lollipops.
As the days passed, Lillian faced the terrifying possibility of never being found. “I thought I was going to die out there,” she later admitted. By day four, she had written an emotional letter to her family, saying goodbye and urging them not to mourn her.
But Lillian’s common sense played a key role in her survival. Knowing wandering off could worsen her situation, she stayed near her car. At night, she used the car’s heater to stay warm.
Her ordeal finally came to an end on Friday, May 5, when emergency services spotted her car at the end of a dirt road in the Mitta Mitta bushland. The police Air Wing located her from above, guiding ground teams to her exact location.
Sergeant Martin Torpey, who was part of the search, shared his relief. “She was extremely grateful to see us, and we were just as happy to see her.”
Lillian described the moment she heard the rescue helicopter overhead as pure joy. “My whole body shut down on Friday,” she said. “I was about to give up.”
She credits the little bottle of wine—despite not being a drinker—for keeping her hydrated during the ordeal. “It wasn’t the plan, but it worked,” she quipped, adding that she’ll be better prepared for future adventures.
Her story is a testament to human resilience and resourcefulness. Stranded and alone, Lillian found strength in the darkest moments. Her survival is nothing short of miraculous—and a powerful reminder to always carry extra water and supplies, no matter how short the trip might seem.
Would you have survived in Lillian’s shoes? Share this incredible story with friends and family—her courage deserves to be celebrated!
