Search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay to continue in Hotham area

POLICE have moved their search to the Mount Hotham area as part of the ongoing investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Missing Person Squad detectives and Search and Rescue officers will be on the Great Alpine Road in Mount Hotham from around 9am this morning. Detectives are acting on information uncovered during the course of the investigation that has led them to this area and is believed to be of interest to the investigation. Members of police Search and Rescue were joined by NSW Cadaver dogs in Wonnangatta Valley on April 4, searching for the missing campers who have not been seen since March 2020. Police believe Russell left his Drouin home on March 19, collected Carol from her home in Pakenham in his white Toyota Landcruiser, then travelled via Licola spending one night at Howitt High Plains before heading into Wonnangatta Valley on March 20. Russell was last heard from on March 20 via HF radio stating he was at Wonnangatta Valley in the Victorian Alps when he made the call. Campers found Russell’s vehicle with signs of minor fire damage at their campsite, which was completely destroyed by fire, near Dry River Creek Track in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 21. Missing Persons Squad detectives, with the assistance of specialist police, have conducted numerous searches in and around the Wonnangatta Valley over the last 12 months, however Russell and Carrol have not been located. Investigators are continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the Wonnangatta area around that time, including campers, 4x4 day trippers, hunters, fishermen or trail bike riders, regardless of whether they saw or heard anything. Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Howitt Plains and Zeka Spur Track on March 19 or 20, and the Wonnangatta Valley and Wonnangatta Station between March 20 to24 who has not yet made contact with police is urged to come forward. Detectives have also established that Russell was camping alone with his Landcruiser in the area of the King Billy and Bluff Track between March 11 to 13. Police are keen to speak to anyone in that area on those dates. Information was later received about sighting of an older person or pair in the Black Snake Creek, Eaglevale River crossing and the Ollies Jump area on March 22-23, however, have never been able to establish if this was the missing campers. Detectives call for anyone in this area, any older couple who may be these persons, to also come forward. Anyone who sights Russell or Carol is urged to contact triple zero (000) immediately. Anyone with any other information regarding their disappearance or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay to continue in Hotham area

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

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