John Denver and a packet of chips help teen survive six days in the bush

Detailed summary

A teenager who survived six days lost in bushland in Victoria's east has recounted how he sang John Denver songs to keep his spirits up while he desperately hoped to be found.

A teenager who survived six days lost in bushland in Victoria's east has recounted how he sang John Denver songs to keep his spirits up while he desperately hoped to be found.

William, 17, is recovering from his ordeal in hospital after he was found by emergency services yesterday in a creek bed at Walhalla East.

He disappeared a week ago while camping with a friend, sparking an intense search involving hundreds of people, including police divers, the dog squad and helicopters.

William told Channel Seven from his hospital bed in Traralgon that there were times during his ordeal that he didn't think he'd be found.

"The nights were pretty cold. A couple of times it was raining. Hot days. I got sunburnt and pretty treacherous surroundings, rocks and sticks, yeah," he said.

William said he sang John Denver's 'Country Roads, Take Me Home' to keep his spirits up during the cold nights in the bush.

"I started doing it one night and it made me feel ace, so I just kept doing it."

His only food for six days was a packet of chicken-flavoured chips, which he rationed, and said he was happy to finally have a proper meal.

"I had a great sleep last night. Comfy bed, finally got some food into me and over the moon to be happy and safe with family," he said.

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