POLICE hold serious concerns for a visiting NSW man who failed to return from a solo one-day bushwalk at Mt Field on Monday.
More than 50 police, search-and-rescue personnel, SES volunteers, a search dog, and the Westpac Police Rescue Helicopter were involved in the search for Paul Stephen Wilson.
Mr Wilson, 49, who has a medical condition that police would not specify, was reported missing on Thursday afternoon. The search began at Mt Field the following day.
He was last seen on Monday when he hired a vehicle in Hobart.
When Mr Wilson did not arrive back in NSW on Wednesday, his wife reported him missing.
His rental car, a white 1999 Hyundai Getz, registration number B41DI, was found yesterday afternoon at the start of the Mt Field East walking track on Lake Dobson Rd.
Police said it was not known how long the car had been there.
"Today, the search has focused on the lower Mt Field area covering about 20sq km and tomorrow we will focus on the Lake Dobson area," Sergeant Paul Steane said.
It is believed Mr Wilson flew into Hobart on March 9 to take part in a bike riding tour group and then intended to spend a few days travelling Tasmania on his own.
Police said he'd been staying at backpacker accommodation.
The search was called off last night at dusk but operations will resume today at first light.
Mr Wilson is described as being of slim, athletic build, about 65kg, and 168cm tall, with mousy brown hair and blue eyes.
He has a large surgical scar on his head and small scars above his eyes. He is believed to be wearing a sky blue fleecy jumper, grey or black trousers and runners.
Sgt Steane said it was believed that Mr Wilson had been only lightly equipped for his day walk.
The temperature in the area Mr Wilson was walking has been dropping to about 7C overnight.
Police want anyone who has information on his whereabouts to contact them on 131 444 or at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.