A rescue operation to save a brother and sister lost in the Grampians was called off after the pair found their way back to their vehicle after 30 minutes.
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Hamilton police Sergeant Paul Stanhope said police received a call for help from the siblings, a 27-year-old Northcote woman and a 33-year-old Dunkeld man, about 6.55am on Sunday.
He said the pair were at the Fortress hiking trail in Grampians National Park when they became lost.
"They've called us on their phone which they said was running out of charge. They were at the Fortress and they didn't know how to find their way out," Sergeant Stanhope said.
"We had search and rescue and Dunkeld SES ready to go. We were about to meet at a meeting place. It was more than just mere preparation, we were thinking of getting together meals and things like that.
"But as we were orchestrating that response they managed to get themselves out of trouble and it was all over by about 8.45am."
Sergeant Stanhope said it was not unusual to receive calls for help from hikers at this time of the year.
"People need to be prepared before they take off," he said.
"Smart phones are everything because they are armed with GPS trackers and compasses. That was definitely a factor for these people to get themselves out of trouble.
"It's important to have all of the latest apps and a back-up battery. If you do get in trouble we can usually locate you pretty quick if you have some of that modern technology.
"Search and rescue have smart phone methods that can ascertain someone's positioning from it. It's fantastic."
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