Vic search for missing man ends in tragedy

The family of missing man Taddeo Haigh are devastated by the discovery of his body four days after he went missing in Victoria's alpine region.

Searchers found Mr Haigh's body on Thursday, about 1km away from where he, his wife and their friends had been staying in Sawmill Settlement, near Merrijig.

"Obviously they're pretty shocked and upset at the moment, so we'll continue providing support," Acting Superintendent Libby Murphy told reporters.

The body was found about 3pm in dense bushland that had previously been searched.

"It's pretty thick and rugged terrain there," Acting Supt Murphy said.

Mr Haigh's parents had joined the air and land search for their son after arriving in Australia from Germany on Wednesday.

About 200 people were involved in the search co-ordinated by Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad, which also had the assistance of local police, the dog squad and mounted police.

The SES and Parks Victoria also helped look for Mr Haigh, along with bushwalking volunteers from Bush Search and Rescue Victoria and the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning.

As the search went into its fourth day, authorities had been optimistic the missing man would be found alive, with Mr Haigh's parents praising their efforts.

Everyone involved in the search was saddened by Mr Haigh's death, Acting Supt Murphy said.

"It's pretty heartbreaking and devastating and disappointing, but obviously not as much as it is for the family, and we really feel for them," she said.

The body will be formally identified and police will prepare a report for the coroner.