Beacons are available in two NSW national parks or they can be hired or bought from quality outdoor supply shops and ships chandleries.
If you're planning a walk in a remote area, hiring a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Response Beacon) is an added safety precaution as many parks are out of range of mobile phone network coverage. However, it should be used as a last resort. First attempt sending an initial distress alert by phone, radio or other direct communication.
Blue Mountains
Free PLBs are available for loan in the Blue Mountains when you register your walk with NSW Police or the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
You can pick one up:
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between 9am - 4pm at the NPWS Office in Blackheath or
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after hours from the Police Stations at Katoomba and Springwood.
Kosciuszko
Free PLBs are available for loan in Kosciuszko National Park when you register your walk with NSW Police or the NPWS - a refundable deposit is required when taking the PLB out on loan. Contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for more information.
More information
The NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue has more information on where to hire beacons, what they do and how to use one.
If you have more questions about obtaining or using an emergency beacon, contact the nearest NPWS office or the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.