A teenage boy has been found alive after disappearing in dense bushland wearing only shorts and work boots nearly a week ago.
Police AirWing found William, 17, whose surname has not been shared, on Thursday morning.
The teenager was reported missing after straying from his camp near Walhalla, 185km east of Melbourne, in Victoria’s Gippsland region last Friday.
He was dropped off by his mother for the weekend to camp with his friend.
It is believed he walked a short distance back to the drop-off location to retrieve further camping equipment.
When he failed to return shortly after, his stepbrother searched the area but found no trace of the teen.
William’s mobile phone, food and water were left behind.
Police said he was last seen near Stoney Creek Road, between Cowwarr and Walhalla on 6 November about 4pm.
On Wednesday, investigators appealed to hunters, campers and landowners to come forward with any information after a hunting camera was found in the search area.
Emergency service workers, including the dog and rescue squad had been searching the dense bushland since last Friday.
