It was the ultimate game of outback hide and seek. But after vanishing five years ago, an American tourist has been found and is set to be deported back home.

Ken Rodman was on a tourist visa when he was reported missing in December 2010.

Found...Kenneth Rodman. Credit:Queensland Police Service

A friend believed he was heading to a beach at Mossman in Far North Queensland and a month later his green kayak washed up at Wangetti Beach.

Mr Rodman, now 60, was never heard from again.