Missing hiker found dead on Alice Springs hiking trail

The body of a missing Victorian hiker has been found on a popular walking trail outside Alice Springs.

Alistair Thomson was hiking the Larapinta Trail alone. He was last heard from almost two weeks ago on May 21, when he texted his family.

The 64-year-old’s body was found late Sunday evening, Northern Territory police said on Monday.

No further details about his disappearance or death were released, with police citing the need to protect the family’s privacy.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

His disappearance had caused concern as the experienced hiker had not come forward to report that he had arrived at Hugh Gorge as planned on May 22.

Members of the search and rescue services, police, local volunteers and the Parks and Wildlife Service were searching for Mr Thomson.

His body was found near a waterhole in Hugh Gorge, ABC Alice Springs reported.

The Larapinta Trail is a 223-kilometre-long hiking trail that runs along the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, terminating in the east in Alice Springs.