Victoria police search for two people missing in Grampians National Park

Police have begun searching dense bushland in western Victoria for two people reported missing last night.

Officers were told the pair set off to go four-wheel driving from Oakleigh East on Friday.

It was expected they would return on Sunday evening, in time to pick up their dogs from family.

The 50-year-old man from Murrumbeena and the 37-year-old woman from Oakleigh East last made contact with a family member on Saturday when they sent a photo of themselves.

Acting Sergeant Kim Talbot said the area the pair were last seen, near Burnt Hut Creek, had little phone coverage.

“They went four-wheel driving on the weekend and were meant to be home on Sunday to pick up their kids and attend to pets,” Acting Sergeant Talbot said. 

“The family waited until about 11:30pm last night and when they didn’t show, reported them missing. 

“They’re in an area where there is very little phone coverage.”

She said weather was also restricting the search.

“Every track in the Grampians really hasn’t been accessible because it’s been too wet,” Acting Sergeant Talbot said.

“Every road I go down to get to that area has a gate on it that’s shut, because the roads are washed out and in a bad condition.”

Police aircraft and members from Cavendish and Dunkeld have been searching since 9am but had not found any sign of the couple. 

Police said the pair checked out of the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld on Sunday morning about 11am and had not been contactable since. 

More to come.