A motorist who became bogged on a remote dirt track in Central Australia has this afternoon been airlifted to safety by Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services.

The 48-year-old man was travelling to South Australia from Yulara on Monday afternoon when the vehicle he was driving became bogged on a dirt track due to recent heavy rainfall in the area.

Search efforts were delayed due to inclement weather until earlier today when a fixed wing aircraft was deployed and observers on-board located the man 129kms from Yulara on the Telstra track.

Search and Rescue Incident Controller Senior Sergeant Michael Potts said the rescue was a timely reminder to all travellers to invest in an EPIRB.

“There’s a lot that can be learnt from this, including the importance of EPIRBs and ensuring you don’t underestimate the weather if you’re travelling remotely,” said Snr Sgt Potts

“We’re thankful that in this instance the man had done the right thing by telling others his departure time, the route he was taking and the estimated arrival time.

“Our message stays the same – equip yourself with a personal emergency beacon, know the conditions and prepare accordingly.”

A man was retrieved by helicopter this afternoon and will be taken to the local clinic for treatment to mild dehydration and sunburn.