Former premier Jay Weatherill has been spending more time with his family now he is on the opposition’s backbench, however his adventures this weekend might not have delivered the kind of break he was anticipating.

Mr Weatherill was bushwalking with his wife, Melissa and daughters Lucinda and Alice on Sunday, when he fell and broke his leg in rugged terrain in a gorge three hours from Adelaide.

The ensuing medical evacuation from Hidden Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park took two hours, with Mr Weatherill being carried by stretcher.

Mr Weatherill was carried by emergency services on a stretcher for two hours through rugged terrain in a national park. Photo: Jay Weatherill / Facebook

He took to social media to thank the emergency services and other bushwalkers for assisting with his rescue.

“An ideal way to get a firsthand look at our wonderful emergency services in action – but not recommended,” he said on Facebook.

“It took more than two hours walking uphill to carry me to an ambulance. Some other bushwalkers helped carry the stretcher.

“I have a broken lower right leg and am feeling more than a little embarrassed for causing all this fuss but thanks to the amazing work of our park rangers, emergency services workers, including volunteers, the hospital staff, some kind strangers and my family, I’m okay.”

Mr Weatherill and South Australia’s emergency services have been contacted for comment.

Mr Weatherill’s family was with him on the bushwalk on Sunday. Photo: Jay Weatherill / Facebook

Greens MP Tammy Franks posted in response: “Ouch! Mend well and big kudos to those who care for us and keep us safe in our emergency and health services.”

Linda Hitch, who was at the scene to lend a hand with the evacuation, said she was happy to help.

“Glad your [sic] OK. I know your family will help you recover,” she said.

-ABC