New clue in search for missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

A clue which could unravel the mystery of two campers who went missing in Victoria almost a year ago has been uncovered.

Carol Clay and Russell Hil have been missing in the Wonnangatta Valley area in Victoria since 20 March, 2020. Picture: Supplied

The mystery of two campers who went missing in Victoria’s high country almost a year ago could soon be unravelled, as Victoria Police work to determine if a drone handed in over the weekend will finally throw up some answers.

Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73 went missing in March last year when detectives discovered a burnt out campsite near Dry river Creek in the Wonnangatta Valley at Billabong on March 21.

Detectives at the time confirmed a DJI brand Mavic model drone could not be found at the camp site, but today said an “item” had been handed into to police.

“Missing Persons Squad detectives have received an item that was handed into police over the weekend (6-7 March),” a spokeswoman said.

“The item is being reviewed to determine if it has any relevance to the investigation,” she said.

The damaged campsite belonging to Russell Hill and Carol Clay's who have been reported as missing in the Wonnangatta Valley. Picture: ABC

“The investigation remains ongoing and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”

Last year Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said Mr Hill was an avid amateur radio enthusiast. He made a high frequency radio call from Wonnangatta Station – in the state’s northeast – using his call sign VK3 VZP.

Detective Stamper did not rule out rumours the pair had eloped at the time, although he said it was unlikely.

An aerial shot of where Mr Hill and Ms Clay camped at Wonnangatta. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve had a look at their finances, lifestyles, recent purchases …. all that stuff,” he said.

“The eloping theory in my mind is not credible, I wouldn’t discount it but I would be very, very, very, very surprised”.

Detective Stamper said the nature of their relationship had not been confirmed. It is understood Ms Clay – who lived independently after a separation several years ago – told some of her family she was camping with Mr Hill.

We appealing again for the public’s help to locate a mystery vehicle as part of the investigation into missing...

Posted by Victoria Police on Thursday, March 4, 2021

“We don’t know the exact nature of the relationship, obviously there was a relationship there,” he said.

“It’s been an uncomfortable period for the families on a lot of levels but I must say the families have been amazing in how they both supported this investigation.”

Ms Clay was last sighted when Mr Hill picked her up from her home in his white Toyota LandCruiser after she told friends she was expecting to return home by March 29.

Mr Hill’s wife was previously reported as saying she did not know her husband had gone camping with their mutual friend until he went missing.

Just a few days ago police appealed to the public for information about a “mystery vehicle” they believed could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Last Friday Victoria Police said they had been able to identify all vehicles seen in the area near Russell and Carol’s campsite, except one car they described as a white dual cab ute.

Initial examination of the fire scene by arson chemists was inconclusive and no bodies have ever been found.