Hiker drags broken leg through Australian bush for 2 days before he's rescued

Neil Parker considered himself an experienced enough hiker to tackle Mount Nebo in Australia alone, when he fell down a 20-foot waterfall. The landing shattered his leg and fractured his wrist; he lost his cellphone and didn't have a location device on him.

For the following two days, Parker crawled through the bush — splintering his broken leg with his hiking sticks — hoping to find a clearing where someone might spot him.

"It was very hard having two injuries on one side because I had to carry my leg, and legs are very heavy when they're not connected to anything," Parker told reporters from his hospital bed, featured in the Inside Edition video above. "I got about a meter and a half each time each time before I had to stop and take a break."

He barely slept throughout the two days, but was able to access water in nearby creeks. Fortunately, the weather in the area was mostly clear and temperatures remained around 87°F during the daytime and 42°F at night.

"I didn't know who was going to be able to find me," he said.

Eventually a helicopter spotted Parker, and rescuers tied him to a stretcher and flew him to a nearby hospital. Footage of the rescue, provided by Queensland Government Air, is also featured in the Inside Edition clip above.

Fortunately Parker is recovering and has reunited with his family. As for any advice he has for fellow hikers, Parker emphasizes being prepared, carrying navigation equipment, and not hiking alone.

Watch the video above to learn more about Parker's miraculous survival and rescue.

Advertisement