A Mandurah mother has thanked the police for their help after she and her two young sons became lost in bushland near Donnybrook.
Janaya Brooking and her three and five-year-old sons planned to go on a short walk from their campsite on Saturday afternoon when they lost their bearings.
"I took one wrong turn and ended up about 20km out," she told Nine News.
Ms Brooking's father became concerned when they did not return and started looking for the trio.
He then called the police about 6pm after failing to find them.
Ms Brooking and her children spent around 12 hours lost in the bush with only some juice.
"We weren't planning on going far so we didn't bring any snacks or anything," she said.
They were eventually found by police around 1am on Sunday suffering fatigue and dehydration.
“I really appreciate every single police officer who was out there last night looking,” she told Seven News.
A WA Police Force spokesman said this incident highlighted the importance of carrying extra supplies of water and safety gear even when only planning on going for a short walk in bushland.
“In this situation a Personal Locator Beacon could have been used to alert authorities to the fact the woman and children were in danger. The beacon would not only alert authorities to the situation, but provide the exact coordinates of where the missing stranded people are– which means the time taken to rescue them is a lot less," the spokesman said.
Community bands together to provide essential school supplies to local children
Detectives continue to hunt man who dragged woman by hair into bushes in Halls Head
Woman airlifted to hospital following South Yunderup crash
Shire of Murray celebrates outstanding citizens
Outstanding community members honoured at Rockingham's 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards
Public urged to remain vigilant after guns stolen from Pinjarra property
Mandurah's local heroes recognised at 2026 Community Citizen of the Year awards
Mandurah teacher admits to sexually abusing former student from age of 12
Man charged after allegedly stabbing man, pushing couple down stairs in Silver Sands