Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the death of a young Australian climber on Mt Everest is a tragedy, and travellers must understand the risks they are taking when they try to conquer it.
Ms Bishop says consular assistance is being provided to the family of 34-year-old Melbourne woman Dr Maria Strydom, also known as Marisa, who died from altitude sickness while descending the mountain.
She says help is also being offered to Dr Strydom's husband Rob Gropel, who was with her on the mountain when she died.
"It is a difficult and challenging climb and many people have died," Ms Bishop told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.
"We certainly extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Marisa."
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Ms Bishop said the Australian government carried warnings about the risks of travelling overseas on its Smart Traveller website.
"Undertaking adventures like climbing Mt Everest has additional risks," she said.
She said Queensland woman Alyssa Azar's successful summit of Mt Everest on the same day would be bittersweet, in light of Dr Strydom's death.
