A dramatic helicopter rescue saved five children and their father, who had been bogged on a remote flooded Western Australian road for nearly four days.
Police launched the rescue mission early on Tuesday, after one man walked more than 50 kilometres to get help, and the children's father swam across a flooded river while carrying a full petrol can in a bid to save himself and the youngsters.
The party, including the children aged between three and 11, were safely flown into Halls Creek after their ordeal, which started in torrential rain on Friday afternoon.
Police said they were delighted to be able to relate a happy ending to the adventure, but also warned the outcome could have been disastrous if not for good planning and a lot of luck.
"We are very lucky that nothing more serious happened to them," WA Police Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs said.
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"Everyone is in good health and good spirits, but this is a very good warning. Those roads become extremely dangerous."
The group were travelling from Darwin to Halls Creek along an unsealed road on Friday when they became stranded by floodwater about 80km from the nearest Aboriginal community.
The two adults had both tried to get help - with one man walking about 50km before a passing worker drove him to the Ringer Soak community on Monday afternoon where he raised the alarm.
Police were alerted, and told three days' worth food and water had been in the vehicle when he left on Friday - with one child requiring urgent medication, and two of the other youngsters suffering asthma and needing medication.
Emergency services discovered early on Tuesday the man who remained with the vehicle - the father of the five children - had himself decided to leave the vehicle and head for help.
He had swum across a river and located staff from a nearby station, then swam back across the river with a petrol can.
He managed to restart his stricken car - but became bogged.
A WA police spokesman said a search plane was sent up at first light on Tuesday and the vehicle was spotted.
Two helicopter trips took all seven people to Halls Creek, where they were said to be safe and well.
Police reminded anyone travelling in the area to be aware of potential flooding, and to prepare with food, water, spare tyres, fuel and maps.
