Darren Banks: Bushwalker missing for two weeks tragically found dead after extensive search

UPDATE: Missing New South Wales bushwalker Darren Banks has tragically been found dead after he disappeared almost two weeks ago while out hiking in bushland southwest of Sydney.

Police said on Thursday afternoon that the extensive search for the 57-year-old had come to a tragic end after his body was found in bushland south of Campbeltown.

Multiple search and rescue agencies scoured the bushland after Banks, last spotted at a home in Macquarie Fields, about 4pm on March 15, did not return from his day trip.

Police found his car on the 11km Starlight Trail, a Grade 4 rated track, at Wattle Ridge on Thursday, about 15km west of Bargo in the Macarthur region.

Investigators believe Mr Banks might have been bushwalking towards Ahearn lookout or Emmetts Flat campground area, about an hour south of Campbelltown.

Experts from police search and rescue and the State Emergency Service were also called in to join the efforts.

PolAir dropped in specialist SES search and rescue teams who camped in the bush overnight.

Detective Inspector Andrew Mackay said Mr Banks had previously bushwalked in the area, known for its difficult terrain, and there was no evidence he had been unwell before going missing.

Police recovered his phone from his home to help piece together his movements before he left for the bushwalk.

“He packed his belongings, got in his car and left, there was no concern and he was due to return to see his family on the weekend,” he told reporters.

“It is quite remote out there deep in the bush and there is not a lot of people out there.”

“There’s been a combination of aviation support over a number of days and night and on foot, but there is no vehicular access,” Det Insp Mackay said.