Zavros family rescued from SA outback after being stranded for five days

·

The Zavros family has been rescued by a police helicopter from the Simpson Desert. 

Ori and Linsey, and their two children Zoe and Zane, became stuck in the desert last Friday and spent five days stranded after the roads were flooded by torrential rain. 

“We feel safe now,” Mr. Zavros said.

“It’s been emotional, a bit of a rollercoaster but we got through it.”

The family has been on a camping trip around Australia in their customised camper van for the past year. 

(Photo via Gabriella Marchant/ABC News)

They activated their emergency beacon last Friday morning when things took a turn for the worse. 

“We were concerned that we might have got stuck there for a few weeks, worried about the heat,” Mr. Zavros said, as temperatures began to rise above 40 degrees Celsius. 

“After the first couple of days, we sort of realised that we wanted to get out of there pretty quick.”

“Thankful that it’s over now.

Mr. Zavros said they kept their spirits up by eating icy poles and watching Bluey DVDs. 

“We had a daily ritual where we would go for a walk in the morning and then have an icy pole at lunchtime and then go for walk in the afternoon when we could,” he said.

Emergency supplies have been air-dropped to the Zavros family, along with a satellite phone (Photo via Sky News)

Ms. Zavros said it had been an “adventure”.

“I don’t regret it, it was an adventure — I wouldn’t do it again,” she said.

“Little mistakes that we made that we wish we didn’t make but we wouldn’t change it, it’s shaped our trip,” Mr. Zavros said.

The couple said they would now have to find a way back to Perth.

“Go to Perth for Christmas and then once the truck has been recovered we will come back out and keep going,” Mr. Zavros said.

“I think we will crack a cold beer and a champagne.”

Source: ABC News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek-Australian Cultural League announces winners of its 2025 Literary Competition

The Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL) has announced the results of its Literary Competition 2025, recognising outstanding original work.

Cyprus Community of NSW to host first-ever Greek Christmas Carols and Night Market in Belmore

The Cyprus Community of NSW is bringing the festive spirit to life this December with its first-ever Greek Christmas Carols & Night Market.

Melbourne influencer Adelle Petropoulos turns heartbreak into viral celebration

Melbourne influencer Adelle Petropoulos has gone viral after cancelling her wedding but going ahead with the celebration.

Greek Australian heavyweights named among Sydney’s most powerful

Several prominent Greek Australians have been ranked within The Daily Telegraph’s 2025 Sydney Power 100. Read more here.

Karidis Corporation unveils plan for Glenelg’s tallest tower

Karidis Corporation has lodged plans for a $130m, 18-storey apartment tower in Glenelg, a development that would be the tallest building.

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios confirms return to tennis at 2025 Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has confirmed his return to playing tennis at the 2025 Australian Open. More details via The Greek Herald.

Top music concerts to see in Greece this summer

Whether you’re a fan of Greek pop, laika, rembetika or even bouzoukia, this is your one-stop spot for everything you need to know.

Yannis Kotsiras: ‘Through music I communicate with the world’

Much loved Greek singer-songwriter Yiannis Kotsiras talks to The Greek Herald about his Australian Tour in March 2022.