Julio Ascui’s family had not heard from him from 29 December until he was found by searchers on Wednesday

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A bushwalker lost in Victoria’s rugged Grampians mountain range for five days says he was “really thirsty” when rescuers finally found him.

Julio Ascui’s family had had no contact with him from the time he went out bushwalking at Halls Gap in the Grampians state park on 29 December.

More than 50 police officers and searchers were looking for Ascui on Wednesday morning, joined by his family.

He was found in Halls Gap just before lunchtime on Wednesday and was asked how he felt when rescuers made contact.

“Amazing. But I was really thirsty,” he told Seven News.

In footage posted online, Ascui was shown eating a banana and smiling for the media as he walked with Sergeant Karen Bain.

“Police would like to thank everyone involved in the search for Julio whose efforts have resulted in this successful outcome,” Victoria police said in a statement.

Ascui’s cousin Luis said he was “very happy” at the news.

“As soon as I see him, I’ll give him a hug, then I’ll give him a slap,” Luis Ascui said.

He said his cousin often went hiking. “Every weekend he’d go to the mountains or the bush. He’s aware of the situation but something must’ve gone wrong here.”

Jodi Lee (@jodilee_7) Julio’s son Joshua “I didn’t know happiness until we found my dad today” @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/l7eo0FQnXy

Ascui’s daughter, Jessica Ascui-Ordonez, said it was unusual for him to not to say where he was going.

“He didn’t tell anyone he was coming here to the Grampians, we just found out on Facebook when he uploaded photos and tagged himself here,” Ascui-Ordonez told reporters on Tuesday, before Ascui was found.