For an astonishing 216 days, Dezi Freeman managed to evade what has been described as one of Australia's most extensive manhunts, disappearing into Victoria's rugged high country while police, specialist units, and local search crews combed the bushland without success. When officers finally located the double-cop-killer fugitive at a remote secret hideaway near the Murray River this week, they discovered a makeshift camp filled with intriguing clues suggesting it was far from abandoned, despite local beliefs.
The owner of the Walwa property, where Freeman was shot dead in a fiery confrontation with Special Operations police, was in Tasmania at the time. He stated nobody was looking after the farm because, in his words, 'there was nothing to look after'. Yet the site revealed both obvious signs of habitation, like newly installed ventilation fans on shipping container roofs, and more subtle indicators. From side-by-side chairs to an upturned boat, small solar panels, and even an outdoor kitchen, the bolthole offers a haunting glimpse into how Freeman spent his final months on the run—and whether he may have had assistance.
The Abandoned Cars
Several vehicles scattered across the site are likely to attract significant attention from detectives, who continue to actively investigate the case. Freeman was known to possess excellent mechanical skills and may have repaired one vehicle using parts stripped from another. This would have provided him with transport options had he decided to relocate or gather essential supplies, highlighting his resourcefulness in evading capture.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing nets and rods were discovered strewn among the camp's equipment. As a well-known survivalist with a history of going off-the-grid for months, Freeman likely relied heavily on the nearby Murray River for sustenance. His keen and skilled fishing abilities would have enabled him to utilise the waterways effectively, securing a regular supply of fish and helping explain his prolonged survival in isolation.
The Two Chairs
Perhaps the most chilling detail was the sight of two chairs carefully placed beneath a tarp at the front entrance of the makeshift shipping container home. While it remains unclear whether Freeman had any accomplices or visitors during his months on the run, the twin chair placement could prove to be a telling clue for investigators probing potential assistance. Authorities have already expressed suspicions that surviving alone in such a remote location would have been extremely difficult, making this detail particularly significant.
The Makeshift Outdoor Kitchen
Set beneath the awning at the front of the shipping container was what appeared to be a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, complete with a camp table, stove, sink, gas bottles, crockery, cutlery, and pots and pans. Additionally, a wood-burning stove set to the side of the camp kitchen was freshly loaded with kindling, indicating recent use and a degree of comfort in his hideaway.
Gas Bottles
At least one gas bottle on the property remained full with the tag still attached. Gas cooking would have provided a more discreet method of preparing food, avoiding the smoke from fires that could attract undue attention. This detail underscores Freeman's efforts to remain hidden and self-sufficient while on the run.
The Solar Panels and Off-Grid Power
One of the most striking features of the hideaway was the apparent access to off-grid electricity. Reports from the site suggest solar panels were being used to generate power, raising questions about how long Freeman may have been living there and how organised his set-up had become. This would have allowed him to power lights, charge devices, or run basic appliances, pointing to a far more sophisticated survival plan than a simple bush camp.
Well-Kept Grounds
Despite the property having been largely abandoned after the caretaker died about a year earlier and no replacement hired, the area appeared surprisingly well tended, with no overgrown weeds or grass in sight. This suggests ongoing maintenance, possibly by Freeman or others, which could indicate a longer-term presence or assistance.
The Canoe
A canoe found at the property may also offer a major clue. It has long been suspected that Freeman used the river system to aid his escape, with the nearby Murray River providing natural camouflage, access routes, and an easier path through the rugged terrain. The waterway would have allowed him to move undetected between locations and access supplies while remaining hidden from search crews.
The Fruit Orchard
An abundance of fruit trees on the property provided another crucial survival resource. Teeming with apricots, cherries, raspberries, and mulberries, the fresh fruit offered an easy and sustainable food source, reducing the need to venture further afield and risk exposing his location. This natural bounty would have supplemented his diet and aided his prolonged evasion.
Multiple Dwellings
The presence of multiple makeshift dwellings, caravans, and structures across the property raises even more questions. Rather than living solely inside the shipping container, it appears the site may have been set up to allow movement between different sleeping or storage areas. This could have made it harder for police to pinpoint exactly where on the sprawling property he was staying, adding another layer of complexity to the manhunt.
As the investigation continues, these ten clues from Dezi Freeman's hideout paint a picture of a fugitive who was not only resourceful and skilled but potentially aided in his 216-day evasion. The discovery of this sophisticated camp near the Murray River has left authorities with lingering questions about the full extent of his survival plan and any possible accomplices.
