Search for autistic 11-year-old missing since Good Friday continues

The search for an autistic boy, missing in a Victorian national park since Good Friday, has escalated with local volunteers joining the effort.

They have teamed with Victoria Police officers, State Emergency Service volunteers and other emergency services in the hunt for 11-year-old Luke Shambrook.

He was last seen leaving Candlebark Campground in Fraser National Park, near Lake Eildon, at 9.30am yesterday.

Luke’s family have told police the boy has an affinity for water and Sergeant Greg Paul said his autism could be hindering the situation.

“He won't necessarily respond to searchers. He may not even know that he is lost,” he said.

Police aircraft have scoured the campsite and nearby bushland and lakeside, he said.

"We've got a lot of searchers in the bush,” Sgt Paul said.

"We've also got people walking the banks of the lake."

Luke’s distraught family are still at the campsite, with some heading out to assist the search operations while others have stayed behind in case he returns on his own.