A search operation to locate a man missing in the state's Lake Macquarie region has concluded.
The 43-year-old man was last seen walking with his two Dachshund dogs on a track near the Pines Camping Area, off Watagans Forest Road, Watagans State Forest, about 5.30pm on Saturday 24 January 2026.
When he did not return as expected, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified.
Police commenced a multi-agency search operation to locate him, with assistance from PolAir, Police Rescue, NSW SES and the Rural Fire Service.
Shortly after 3am today (Sunday 25 January 2026), the man was located on a ledge 30m down a cliff.
Emergency services winched the man to safety, and he was treated by NSW Ambulance before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
His dogs are alive and well and have been returned to the 43-year-old man's partner.
