The 23-year-old man, from Clermont, is believed to have been climbing Wolfgang Peak, north of Clermont, when he lost his footing and fell, landing on sharp rocks, the Couriermail.com.au reports today.

Philip Dowling from the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter said somehow the man's mobile survived the fall and he managed to call Triple-0 for help. "He had some sort of consciousness and used his mobile phone to call through. Out where he was, it's not the world's best coverage and it was very lucky the phone wasn't smashed in the fall," Mr Dowling said.

When rescue crews arrived, they had to hike 200m uphill in 40 degree heat to reach the injured man. Dr Ben Gupta said it was a slow process but they made it in time. "If he hadn't been found, there was a good chance he wouldn't have survived," Dr Gupta said.

"He was quite badly injured with serious chest injuries, head injuries and broken legs." After stabilising him, crews stretchered the man down the cliff to the rescue helicopter.

"It was quite a trek to get to him, then an even slower trek out with the stretcher," Dr Gupta said. He was airlifted to Townsville Hospital where he underwent surgery yesterday. Dr Gupta said his condition was serious but he was expected to survive. "He really is extremely lucky."