Family's fear as missing grandfather faces another night lost in bush

The family of a missing grandfather are praying for his safe return as he faces another night outdoors in bushland near Benalla in Victoria's north-east.

Wallace McGown, better known as Wally, hasn't been seen since 11am yesterday when he left his Molyullah property for a walk.

His daughter-in-law Natasha Hamilton said she phoned police about four hours later because she had a feeling he wasn't going to return home.

After searching themselves yesterday, the family were today joined by more than 100 emergency services personnel including the dog squad, mounted police and SES.

They are desperate to find the 85-year-old man, who has dementia and may be disorientated.

Wally is only dressed in a black thermal skivvy and trackpants and has been exposed to below-zero temperatures, overnight.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Wallace McGown is urged to contact Benala Police Station on (03) 5760 0200.