A young family reported missing to police between Queensland and NSW on Monday have been found safe after two days of searching between three states.
Darian Aspinall, 27, her children Winter Bellamy, 2, and Koda Bellamy, 4, along with their grandmother Leah Gooding, 50, were traveling from the Noccundra Hotel in Queensland to a planned destination of Packsaddle in far west NSW on Sunday.
The children’s father Linny Bellamy told of his family’s actions to ensure they’d survive while stuck alone in the outback for two straight days.
He said they relied on roadside puddles for sustenance and used a mirror to attract the attention of a police search aircraft.
“I can’t believe they managed to stay as strong as they did,” Mr Bellamy said.
“They looked after each other and just tried to ration everything out.”
He said other than looking tired, his family seemed themselves.
The family had made plans to travel to Adelaide, where they were originally from, police were told.
But when the four never arrived at their planned location in NSW and were unable to be contacted, Barrier police were alerted and the investigation into their whereabouts began.
The family, who were traveling in a Hyundai Tucson, were found inside their vehicle, off track, about 4.15pm on Tuesday afternoon by helicopter.
The aircraft confirmed it was the missing family, and they were assessed by an on-board paramedic.
They were then flown to Tibooburra for further assessment and care.
“Could not feel more relief,” Mr Bellamy said in a Facebook post sharing the good news.
“My family has been found safe.”
Police officers involved extended their thanks to the community for their support and assistance.
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