Missing Queensland spear fisherman's leg washes up hundreds of kilometres away in NSW

The human leg found washed up on a NSW Mid North Coast beach last week has been identified as that of missing Queensland spear fisherman Andrew Page.

The leg bones were discovered on a beach at Mylestom just south of Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, and included a femur and tibia and foot bones enclosed in what appeared to be a black diving boot.

Mr Page disappeared off Elliot Head near Bundaberg last month, roughly 620 kilometres north of where the bones were found as the crow flies.

His friends launched a frantic search for the 38-year-old experienced free diver after he failed to surface during a group dive.

A five-day search involving a rescue helicopter, water police and volunteer marine rescue failed to find him.

Mr Page's parents issued a statement following his disappearance saying they were comforted in knowing that their son died doing what he loved most.

"We believe (Drew) may have got tangled in the line after spearing a big fish and was dragged. There was no sign of injury or struggle in the water," they said.

"An experienced free-diver and spearfisherman, Drews's heart belonged to the ocean. He used to say his gills were drying up whenever he was away from the water for too long.

"We take small comfort in knowing that he will never have to feel that again."

Drew's passion for diving, a skill his father taught him from the age of eight, saw him explore Australia's east coast and travel the world pursuing his passion.

"Drew had an inspiring love of life and contagious excitement for adventure. He was well known for his kind-heartedness and bubbly personality," his parents said.