William Found Alive After Six Days Alone in Remote Australian Wilderness Near Walhalla

Six days in the Australian bush brought a 17-year-old camper through freezing nights, hot days and rugged terrain before a helicopter crew spotted him beside a creek. William, whose surname has not been publicly released, was found alive Thursday, November 12, after disappearing near Walhalla East in Victoria. His rescue ended an extensive search and a frightening stretch with little food and no phone. Searchers continued looking through the surrounding bushland.

William went missing Friday, November 6, while camping with a teenage friend about 110 miles east of Melbourne. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, had dropped the boys near Stoney Creek Road for William’s first independent camping trip. William, who has autism, was walking back to collect additional equipment after taking the first supplies to the campsite. He missed a turn, became disoriented and wandered into the bushland. His cellphone, food and drinking water remained at the campsite. The route back was no longer certain.

When William failed to return, his friend searched for him before asking passing motorists for help. More than 100 emergency personnel and volunteers joined the search, supported by police helicopters, search dogs, divers and specialist rescue teams. Thick bushland, steep slopes and rocky ground made the operation difficult. Rescuers did not know where William had gone or how he was coping without essential supplies. Teams worked across difficult ground to locate him.

William later said he used two towels and a pillow to keep warm when overnight temperatures fell to about 37 degrees Fahrenheit. His only food was a family-sized bag of chicken-flavored potato chips, which he rationed during the first two days. He drank water from a nearby creek. Initially, he tried to find his way back to camp, but continued through unfamiliar, rugged terrain. After several days, he slipped down an embankment into a gully and injured his legs. The campsite held supplies he had left behind.

Unable to climb out, William stopped moving and remained near the creek, hoping someone would find him. The nights were frightening, and he later said there were moments when he feared he would not survive. To keep his spirits up, he sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” “I started doing it one night and it made me feel ace so I just kept doing it,” he explained. The familiar song offered comfort during the isolation.

William later admitted how uncertain the outcome had seemed. “I didn’t think I’d make it six days,” he said. On Thursday, November 12, a Victoria Police helicopter crew spotted a fishing tackle box in the wilderness about two kilometers from the campsite. As the helicopter circled the area, officers noticed William lying on a flat rock beside the creek, apparently asleep beneath his towels. Officers scanned the creek and nearby rocks.

When the helicopter woke him, William waved excitedly and pumped his fist, realizing rescuers had found him. The terrain was too steep and dangerous for officers to reach him on foot. Instead, rescuers were lowered from the helicopter and winched the teenager to safety. Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said the fishing tackle box may have been the clue that ultimately saved William’s life. The account did not provide details about his condition after the rescue. The extraction required a careful aerial rescue.

William’s discovery alive ended six days of uncertainty for his family, friend and the many people involved in the search. He had endured isolation, injury and harsh conditions, relying on creek water, limited food and makeshift shelter. After nearly a week alone in remote bushland, help had finally reached him.