A Perth school teacher has died on a prospecting trip in WA’s outback.

Justin Davies went missing on Monday after going prospecting with his two sons in the Cue area, about 650km north of Perth.

The 48-year-old had gone out by himself on Monday morning.

The alarm was raised when the experienced prospector failed to return to a camp at Webb’s Patch, about 24km east of Cue at 6pm that night.

Temperatures in the area reached more than 40C, with Cue’s maximum 45C on Tuesday.

“We believe that Mr Davies had approximately two litres of water,” a police spokesperson said.

A police plane spotted Mr Davies’ body under a tree about 2.5km from his campsite.

Police say the 48-year-old died accidentally.

Tributes have rolled in on social media for the Rockingham Senior High School associate principal.

“It is with great sadness that police have just advised that a man believed to be our colleague and Associate Principal Justin Davies has passed away,” the school posted online.

“Justin has been at the school for over 15 years in various roles: Sub School Leader; HOLA Science and the last two years as Associate Principal.

“Justin was well respected by the school community and will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this time.”

Former students said they would miss Mr Davies’ “lame jokes” and PA announcements that could brighten the day.

“Thanks for being such a great role model in my life and always seeing so much more in me than what I do myself. RIP Mr Davies,” one former student posted.

“You’re (sic) announcements made me cringe so hard but strangely brightened my day every time. Will never forget your words of praise ... a top bloke indeed,” another wrote.