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A large group of students and teachers have been rescued after they were stranded in the Scenic Rim, south-west of Brisbane, for more than four hours overnight.
The group of 43 students and five teachers called emergency services after being cut off by floodwaters near Mount Barney about 5pm on Monday.
The year 12 students from North Lakes State College were on a school camp as part of coursework for their outdoor recreation certificate II VET course.
The Education Department said the group had been unable to return to their planned accommodation, leaving them stranded in the National Park.
Swift water rescue officers crossed three swollen creek crossings on inflatable boats to reach the group.
Officers at the scene reported the almost 50-strong group was safe on dry land by 9.20pm on Monday, and the rescue was wrapped up by about 11pm.
Paramedics assessed the students and teachers, and one girl was taken in a stable condition to Ipswich Hospital. She was not injured during the rescue, but instead exhibited symptoms of an illness.
No other students or teachers required transport.
The Education Department said the school remained in contact with parents of students stranded at the camp throughout the night.
“The students and staff returned to Brisbane safely in the early hours of the morning,” a department spokesperson said.
“Support is in place for all students and staff who require it.”
The department commended emergency services and school staff for their “excellent response” across the night.
The rescue was assisted by SES personnel, who were in the area supporting other rescue efforts.
More than 100 requests for assistance were made to the SES on the Gold Coast between 5am on Monday and Tuesday morning.
The highest rainfall on the Gold Coast was recorded at Springbrook National Park, about 50 kilometres inland of Mount Barney National Park, where rain gauges measured 191 millimetres.
Fire Department mountain rescue crews were conducting another rescue in the area earlier on Monday.
Two hikers lost on Mount Barney had been communicating with SES crews since Sunday.
Rescue crews were forced to pause the search about 1pm on Monday as weather conditions worsened, and resumed climbing the mountain on Tuesday morning.
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