Teen rescued after six days lost in Australian bushland near Melbourne

A 17-year-old boy has been rescued after spending six days lost in dense bushland 180km east of Melbourne, showing no serious injuries and in good health.

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Teen rescued after six days lost in Australian bushland near Melbourne

Get you up to speed: Incredible moment teen realises he’s being rescued after six days lost in bushland | News World

A 17-year-old boy named William was found alive after spending six days lost in bushland 180km east of Melbourne, Australia. He was rescued on Friday morning, reportedly uninjured, and taken to hospital for a check-up.

The search operation included police dogs, divers and helicopters, initiated after William went missing last Friday during a camping trip. Authorities confirmed that he has been found uninjured and in good health after spending six days lost in bushland.

Victoria Police expressed relief at the successful rescue of the 17-year-old, with Acting Inspector Jason Benbow noting, “It doesn’t happen all the time.” Following the incident, the family has indicated a desire for the boy to remain at home, with his mother quipping that he would be “grounded for life.”

What remains unclear — The circumstances surrounding William’s disappearance and how he survived for six days remain unspecified.

Teen rescued after six days lost in Australian bushland near Melbourne

A 17-year-old boy has been found alive after spending six days lost in dense Australian bushland.

William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while camping with a friend in bushland around 180km (112 miles) east of Melbourne, Victoria.

A search involving police dogs, divers and helicopters was launched, with freezing overnight temperatures having sparked fears for his wellbeing.

He was finally found on Friday morning local time and winched to safety by rescuers, who gave him a doughnut and a bottle of water before taking him to hospital for a check-up.

His relieved family said he was uninjured, although his mother joked he would be ‘grounded for life’.

Elizabeth Barkley told reporters her son had suffered only a few scratches and appeared to be in good health.

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In this image made from video and provided by the Victoria State Police 17-year-old William, center right, is embraced by his mother Elizabeth, only first names were provided by police, while in a helicopter in Cowwarr, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, after William spent six days lost in eastern Australian woodlands. (Victoria Police via AP)
The 17-year-old embraces his mum, Elizabeth, after being rescued (Picture: Victoria Police via AP)

In an undated supplied image obtained on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, William is shown with his thumbs up.
William, 17, went camping with a friend 180km east of Melbourne in Australia (Picture: PR Handout)


Freezing overnight temperatures had sparked fears for his safety (Picture: Victoria Police via AP)

‘He’s doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he’s in perfect health,’ she said.

‘He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I’m just over the moon he’s alive.’

Joking about his disappearance, she added: ‘He’s never leaving the house again.’

Police officers were also emotional after finding the teenager alive.

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said: ‘It doesn’t happen all the time.

‘I’m sure he’s got a story to tell us soon, which we’re very keen to hear.’

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