Stranded hikers praised for quick-thinking mountain rescue

A 50-year-old woman and her 67-year-old husband have been praised for their composure and quick thinking after the man was injured six hours into a mountainous hike near East Haldon, Queensland on July 20.

"The husband-and-wife duo didn't panic, they stayed where they were and made a fire to keep warm in cold conditions, while crews coordinated the best approach to get them to safety," police said.

Officers did not provide details of the man's injuries from the fall but said he is expected to make a full recovery.

"The hikers were approximately 1.5 kilometres from the camping grounds at East Haldon, but fatigue and injury meant the man was unable to complete the hike on foot," police said.

"Consideration was given to airlifting the couple to safety, however strong winds meant the helicopter was unable to reach them."

The keen hikers set off at 8am to trek Mount Philp but ran into trouble on the mountainous terrain just after 2pm.

By 10.20pm emergency services crews reached the couple and, using a stretcher and an all-terrain vehicle, returned them to safety by 2.30am.

Search and Rescue co-ordinator senior constable Dale Jeppesen said "it was a long day, but in the end, it was a great outcome for all involved".

Senior constable Jeppesen said the rescue was an important reminder to plan ahead, as the couple did, when tackling difficult terrain.

He urged hikers to check weather conditions and to let someone know where they were going and when they were expected to be back.

"On the day, always take a trail buddy with you, bring a first aid kit and an appropriate amount of food and water for the journey," police said.