Search for Vic walker on Tas bush track

A search is underway for a young Victorian walker after an emergency beacon was set off on Tasmania's Cradle Mountain.

The beacon was activated on the Overland Track about 3.30pm on Saturday.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the area, but bad weather forced it to divert to Launceston.

A land-based search by Western District Search and Rescue will start from 8pm from Dove Lake.

The beacon belongs to a Victorian man, 21, who is fit and experienced in hiking, police say.

The rescue helicopter will continue to try and get to the area where the beacon was activated throughout the evening.