Niels Becker's ill-fated hike through Victoria's high country - the familiar inspiration for so much of his poetry, music and prose - was supposed to be a present to himself for his 39th birthday.

For six months, the experienced bushwalker had trained his already-fit body by covering countless kilometres around Melbourne with a heavy rucksack loaded on his back.

The most recent image of Niels Becker, who is missing in the high country near Mount Bulla. Credit:Victoria Police

He was well prepared with supplies, sleeping gear and his favourite music - jazz, folk and Christian country - and as he left on October 24 was "on top of the world".

But two weeks since he set off near Mount Buller from Upper Jamieson Hut, and nine days since he was due to return, Mr Becker is still missing.