Mystery as woman survives 17-day bush ordeal

Mystery surrounds the survival of a Queensland mother who has emerged alive after 17 days lost in rugged bushland.

Shannon Leah Fraser was taken to Innisfail Hospital in a stable condition after stumbling out of the bush onto a farm on Wednesday morning. Ms Fraser, 30, was last seen at the Golden Hole swimming spot, south of Cairns, on September 21.

Family members say the mother of two had drunk creek water to survive her ordeal and had severe sunburn as well as scratches.