‘Concerned’: Major search for missing man Darren Blake, 55, in You Yangs Regional Park

A major air and land search for a missing Geelong hiker last seen walking towards the You Yangs Regional Park will continue overnight as fresh details emerged.

Police and SES will ramp up a search for a missing 55-year-old man last seen in Whittington. Photo: Victoria Police.

A major air and land search for a missing Geelong hiker last seen walking towards the You Yangs Regional Park will continue overnight with grave fears held for his safety.

Darren Blake, 55, left his home in Whittington on Sunday but has not been seen or heard from since.

Inspector Matt Trask said it’s believed Mr Blake was going for a bush walk and was last tracked catching a train from Geelong to the Lara station.

Inspector Matt Trask addresses the media with sister Melanie Blake and partner Steven Barrett. Picture: Brad Fleet

His mobile phone has been switched off and he has not accessed his bank account.

The last confirmed sighting was on Forest Road North at about 12.20pm on May 25.

His sister Melanie and her and partner Steven Barrett, said Mr Blake’s disappearance was out of character.

“He drives up here and usually does the hikes...quite regularly,” Mr Barrett said.

“We are really concerned for Darren’s safety.

“We haven’t seen or heard from him in three days.”

SES rescue and police during a search for Mr Blake. Picture: Brad Fleet

Inspector Trask said the police air wing, uniformed officers and SES crews would continue their intense search to locate him within the park, popular with walkers and mountain bike enthusiasts.

He said Mr Blake may have changed clothes if he had become disoriented.

“Its not uncommon for them to remove or change items of clothing,” Inspector Trask said.

“If anyone has been out here in the last few days, or even today, and you have seen something we ask that you to contact police.”

The search for Mr Blake began on Wednesday morning, with SES crews joining police.

Darren has not been heard from since Sunday, May 25.

It’s still unclear why he chose not to drive to the regional park, about 30 minutes out of Geelong.

A command post has been permanent set up at the site, which features rugged granite peaks, dry eucalyptus woodlands and dusty trails.

The area was lashed with wild winds and heavy rain on Monday evening, with gusts of up to 75 km/h recorded.

Police on foot at the You Yangs on Wednesday Photo: Brad Fleet

It’s understood security footage captured him leaving Gemini Court at about 10am on May 25.

He is described as caucasian with a tall, slim build and fair skin.

People living in the Geelong suburb have been asked to check CCTV footage for any possible sightings.

He was last seen wearing these clothes (pictured).

He was last seen wearing a black peaked cap, black sunglasses, black t-shirt, black jeans, black runners and a black backpack.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Geelong Police Station on 55225 3100 quoting reference 250224912.

Originally published as ‘Concerned’: Major search for missing man Darren Blake, 55, in You Yangs Regional Park