A coroner has revealed the final haunting message sent by university students who died together on an alpine trail.

The final message of two women who froze to death while hiking on a remote trail near Victoria’s tallest mountain has been revealed.

Chinese citizens Yuhan Jin, 24, and Yewen Wang, 30, were discovered on October 3 last year along Long Spur Walking Track at Lendenfeld Point, about halfway between the summit of Mount Bogong and Cleve Cole Hut.

Both Monash University students, the pair took part on a three to four day hike in the remote Victorian Alps, about five hours northwest of Melbourne.

There is no evidence to suggest the women were experienced hikers.

Air wing footage of Mount Bogong in Victoria’s high country. Picture: Supplied / Victoria Police
Following an investigation, Coroner David Ryan handed down his findings into the women’s deaths, noting Ms Jin had texted her mother in China before they began their hike about 8.34am on October 2.

In her message she included a map of her and Ms Wang’s intended route, and later she sent several photos and videos as they ascended the snow covered walking track.

That evening about 6pm, Ms Jin sent a voice note to her mother detailing the gruelling conditions on the path.

“It was so tough, honestly, just really, really tough. Oh my god, I’m exhausted,” she said.

“I was carrying a 15 kilogram pack, and today’s goal was to climb 1,300 metres of elevation gain in a single day.

“Those videos I sent you earlier were actually from around noon. There was no signal at the time, so they only went through now.

“At the foot of the mountain, I could still wear just two light layers, but as I climbed higher, I had to put on my fleece, and then even my hard shell.

“Oh my god, what a day! It’s only been six hours of hiking! First it rained, then it snowed, then it hailed.”

This was the last communication from either woman.

The pair was found deceased by a married couple the next day about 10.55am, following a night of blizzard-like conditions.

Mount Bonong was battered by high wind, heavy snowfall, rain and hail between October 1 to 3 last year, with temperatures as low as -3.2C.

Recovery operation of two women hikers found dead in the Bogong High plains. Picture: 7News
Police hiked to the scene, where they discovered the women huddled together, partially lying atop a sleeping bag, the contents of their backpacks strewn around them.

Despite being in possession of suitable clothing for the conditions, the pair were discovered not wearing their outer shell jackets or beanies.

The pair was not equipped with a tent.

Mr Ryan listed the cause of death as hypothermia, noting the effects had likely hampered the women’s decision making.
“It is likely that they have become disorientated, confused and fatigued in the evening on 2 October due to the effects of hypothermia which impacted their judgment and resulted in them passing away from exposure to the elements,” Mr Ryan said.

“Having considered all of the circumstances, I am satisfied that Yuhan and Yewen died after being exposed to the elements in very poor weather conditions while hiking in the Victorian High Country.

“Their families can take some comfort from the fact that they were together when they passed away.”

It is not known where the women had planned to stay that evening, but it was likely at Cleve Cole Hut.

Neither death was considered suspicious by police.