Search continues for missing hiker Christopher Moore in bushland near Nowra
Authorities are ramping up search efforts to find a missing bushwalker on the NSW south coast in "difficult terrain" ahead of forecast rainy conditions.
Christopher Moore has not been seen since Wednesday morning after he was dropped off for a solo camping trip on Twelve Mile Road at Jerrawangala, south of Nowra.
Mr Moore's family alerted police to his disappearance on Friday, after the 38-year-old failed to return to the same road to be picked up around midday.
Chief Inspector David Cockram said the hiker was "experienced" and was believed to have adequate supplies with him, including thermal clothing, food and boots.
"Despite that, we've had some cold conditions and we've definitely got concerns for his welfare."
Search efforts to find Mr Moore started on Friday afternoon, with extensive multi-agency efforts continuing across the weekend.
NSW Police has been aided by a helicopter, the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service, with many crews searching through the thick bushland on trail bikes.
"We're doing anything we can provide to that search capacity to try and find this fellow," Chief Inspector Cockram said.
The search has been conducted in a large area across difficult terrain in Jerrawangala National Park and around bushland near Wandandian.
"You'd have to have some sort of experience, good provisions and good equipment to try and navigate through that area, particularly as a solo person," Chief Inspector Cockram said.
"I think [Mr Moore] had intentions to go off track as well, which provides some further complications for us.
Chief Inspector Cockram said authorities would put "more boots on the ground" on Monday morning ahead of expected wet weather in the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a medium chance of showers for Nowra, located 30km north of the search ground, on Monday evening, before more rainfall is expected from Tuesday to Friday.
"If we're looking at a large amount of rain, that's definitely going to impact our ability to be on the ground," Chief Inspector Cockram said.
"We're going to rip in [on Monday] and see what we can do with some additional resources."
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