Missing Victorian man Samuel Robert Whitsed was last seen near the Bibblumun Track in Perth’s south
A massive search operation is underway to find the missing man who was seen heading towards one of the world’s longest hiking trails three months later.
Samuel Robert Whitsed, 27, from Victoria, was walking towards Biblum Track carrying camping equipment near the Brookton Highway in Armadale, south of Perth, on February 18.
Police believe Mr Whitsed planned to travel along the 1003km walking trail, including as far as Mundaring in the Perth Hills, a distance of no more than 20km.
Armadale officer-in-charge Rob Lewis told the media that a green tent linked to Mr Whitsed was found about six weeks ago at a camping spot on the road known as Canning Hut.
The campground is about a three to four hour hike from the highway.
Officers began a nine-day search by foot and drone last month through dense vegetation and rugged terrain in areas surrounding the Canning Hut and Brookton campsites, he said.
“If he was there and heard this, we would want him to contact the police and tell us he is safe and well.”
He also asked anyone with property along the road to check outbuildings in case Mr Whitsed had used them.
“Any information the community can provide us, no matter how little, could be vital to locating him and that is the family’s desire to locate Sam,” Senior Sergeant Lewis said.
Mr Whitsed, who was known to hike in the woods and “live off the land”, was dropped off at the site after getting into a man’s car.
“There is nothing suspicious, it is a welfare concern at this point,” Senior Sergeant Lewis said.
Mr Whitsed is approximately 170-180 cm tall, of slim to medium build, with short brown hair, a beard and moustache.
He was last seen wearing black pants, a red T-shirt or light-colored sweater and slippers.
Police have asked anyone who has seen Mr Whitsed or has information on his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.
