Police searching for missing Irish hiker in Victorian Alps

A search is currently underway in a state’s high country, where an Irish hiker has reportedly been missing for days.

A desperate search is underway in the Victorian high country after a missing hiker’s car was found unattended by police in Omeo on Monday morning.

Irish national Colin, whose surname has not been disclosed by police, was due to finish his journey on Woods Point and return to Omeo on Friday, but the 34-year-old is yet to be located.

Victoria Police said local units are currently in the area and are being assisted by police Air Wing, the Search and Rescue Squad and Parks Victoria.

A search is underway in the Victorian high country for missing Irish hiker Colin. Picture: Victoria Police

Police said that according to text messages he exchanged with a friend, Colin was due to start hiking on the McMillan Walking Track in Cobungra on March 19 and was due to finish his hike in Woods Point and return to Omeo on March 31.

Police said they found his car at the East Gippsland Shire car park on Tongio Rd, Omeo on Monday.

He is described as 170cm tall, of a solid build and with short ginger hair, as well as a ginger beard and moustache.

Police said he also has a surgical scar on his right knee.

He was last seen wearing Scarpa-brand hiking boots, a Cartha-brand jacket and travels with a grey Deuter-brand back pack, light blue whistle and navigation tools.

“Police and family are concerned for Colin’s welfare, due to his disappearance being out of character,” Police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bairnsdale Police Station on [phone].