Missing Watagans walker winched from cliff as dachshunds returned safe

newy.com.au – A 43-year-old man reported missing while walking with his two dachshunds near the Pines Camping Area in Watagans State Forest was winched from a cliff and taken to John Hunter Hospital early Sunday 25 January 2026.

The Pines Camping Area is in Olney State Forest in the Watagan Mountains with picnic and camping areas and a network of walking trails through forest located West of Cooranbong.

NSW Police said the man was last seen about 5.30pm on Saturday 24 January walking on a track near the campsite, off Watagans Forest Road. Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified when he did not return as expected.

A multi-agency search began with assistance from PolAir, Police Rescue, the NSW State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service, police said. Searchers located the man shortly after 3am on Sunday on a ledge about 30 metres down a cliff.

Emergency services winched him to safety and NSW Ambulance treated him before he was taken to hospital in a stable condition, according to police. The two dogs were found alive and later returned to the man’s partner.

NSW Police said the search operation had concluded after the man was brought to safety.