At 4.50pm on Monday, the pair had stopped at The Crags, just outside Yambuk.

They left their car for 15 minutes to take photographs and when they returned, found a window had been smashed and a number of items had been stolen.

Clothing, hiking gear, backpacks, a tent and sleeping bags were stolen.

The items had a combined value of $6,000.

Leading Senior Constable David Rook said some of the items were recovered later from a rubbish bin in Thistle Place, Port Fairy.

“We really urge people to cover up their goods if they are leaving their car,” Leading Senior Constable Rook said.

“If the thieves couldn’t see what was in the car then maybe they wouldn’t have smashed the window.

“People need to cover their valuable stuff up or take it with them. Luckily, they had their phones, wallets and passports on them so they didn’t get stolen.”

The couple were travelling in a hire car but had not taken out insurance, meaning they will have to pay for the smashed window.

Leading Senior Constable said insurance is a worthwhile added expensive to take on.

Police are asking anyone with information on the theft to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Macarthur Police Station on 55761122.