Yann Buriet, 31, walks into search party after camping in a cave

The 31-year-old French tourist missing in Gunlom Falls walked into the picnic area at to find a search operation underway for him.

French national Yann Buriet is missing in Kakadu National Park. Picture: NT POLICE

LATEST: THE 31-year-old French tourist missing in Gunlom Falls walked into the picnic area at to find a search operation underway for him.

He had been camping for five days in a nearby cave, oblivious to the fact police, emergency services and park rangers had been scouring bushland for him for almost three days.

Superintendent Hege Burns said the man was not injured but embarrassed.

“I believe he’s embarrassed about all the fuss,” she said.

“We are very happy to see him alive and well he had provisions he had food and he had water.

“He hadn’t got lost he had been up camping in one of the caves.”

He walked out bushland at 8.40am just as police were gearing up to launch a large scale search and rescue operation.

Supt Burn said it was a timely reminder to inform others of ones travel plans and if staying at a national park to seek permits.

UPDATE: The 31-year-old French tourist missing in Gunlom Falls has been found alive.

Superintendent Hege Burns said police would speak with Yann Buriet to ascertain his whereabouts over the past few days.

“This is a timely reminder for members of the public to make necessary plans when travelling outdoors. Always ensure you notify somebody of your travel plans, know your limits, and research the area prior to travel. In case of emergency or calls for assistance, carry a satellite phone so you can notify emergency services or any other relevant contacts.”

EARLIER: The NT Police dive squad have been sent to Gunlom Falls as the search for missing tourist Yann Buriet goes in to its third day.

It’s understood the pools have never been dived by police divers so they will have to be assessed before any search is undertaken.

The search for French tourist Yann Buriet who has been missing from Gunlom Falls since Saturday has been ramped up.

Mr Buriet was staying in Darwin up until recently and travelled to Kakadu National Park on or around Friday last week.

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His vehicle, a white Mitsubishi van bearing Tasmanian registration E 88 QV was found in the Gunlom Falls car park area, with all of his belongings.

French national Yann Buriet is missing in Kakadu National Park. Picture: NT POLICE

NT Police have been in contact with the French Consulate advising them of the search, and they are assisting in contacting family members.

Two helicopters are being used as NT Emergency Services, fireys, police and park rangers begin their second day of searching for the 31-year-old man.

Incident Controller Supt Hege Burns said they believed Mr Buriet was by himself.

“We’re looking for a French tourist who has been here travelling Australia,” she said.

“He’s a young caucasian male.”

On Tuesday, Jabiru Police were notified by Kakadu National Park staff that a man who had been camping at Gunlom Falls had not been seen since Saturday.

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Initial inquiries failed to locate the man.

Yesterday afternoon police used a helicopter, two national park rangers and three police officers on foot to search for the overdue man.

Police would like to hear from anyone who visited Kakadu National Park in and around Gunlom Falls or who may have seen or spoken to Mr Buriet to please contact police on 131444.