Sydney man dies in Queensland kayaking tragedy

A Sydney kayaker has been found dead after being caught in rocks when he paddled over a waterfall in far north Queensland.

The 37-year-old man was kayaking with four friends on the North Johnson River in the Wooroonooran National Park near Malanda when he attempted the isolated drop on Thursday afternoon and became trapped.

Authorities believe he was still alive at 6pm that night after becoming pinned to the rock in an air pocket as water rushed over him.

Emergency services personnel spent the night on the river's banks with the rest of the group, returning them to Mandala on Friday morning as crews began searching for the man.

His body was found and retrieved as the afternoon light was fading on Friday.

Officials say the man's family has been notified.