The family of a three-year-old girl who was missing in Western Australia's flood-affected Pilbara for almost 24 hours has thanked everyone involved in the successful search for her.

Key points: Matilda was found with family dog Wolfy more than 3km from their homestead

Matilda was found with family dog Wolfy more than 3km from their homestead Her family has praised searchers, saying some didn't sleep "from start to finish"

Her family has praised searchers, saying some didn't sleep "from start to finish" The spotter who found Matilda has the "eyes of a hawk", Matilda's mother says

A large land and air search involving three helicopters began last Wednesday afternoon after Matilda was reported missing on her family's 368,000-hectare pastoral station, about 150 kilometres north of Newman.

There were serious concerns the girl had been trapped by rising creek waters after the region was inundated with rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Blake earlier in the week.

But Matilda was eventually found safe by a helicopter pilot on Thursday afternoon, about 3.5 kilometres south of the Noreena Downs Station homestead where she lives.

The family's Jack Russell terrier, Wolfy, was found with Matilda and is believed to have stayed by her side during the night.

Family statement delayed by deluge

In a statement titled "Matilda (Matdy) and Wolfy — a Pilbara bush story" issued by Matilda's mother Kate Paull, the family said they "wanted to make sure everyone got thanked cause that's how we rock and roll".

"Matilda and Wolfy are going fine, they still love each other," Ms Paull wrote.

Matilda was stranded on a flooded part of the station for 24 hours before being rescued. ( Facebook: Kate Paull )

"We apologise for it coming late we had 73mls [millimetres of rain] the night … they were both found and we got rather busy and we are also emotionally and mentally exhausted.

"The first thank you goes to the boss at CA Helicopters for himself and his engineer for the speedy helicopter arrival in searching for Matdy, they were here within record time of Matdy going missing.

"The boss was also very instrumental in the search and never stopped looking (none of them stopped) and for him it had to be very hard as he had known Matdy before she was born."

Ms Paul said the search operation quickly swung into effect, with Fortescue Helicopters also "instrumental in the search".

Searchers 'didn't sleep from start to finish'

Ms Paull highlighted the exhaustive efforts of the emergency services involved in the search.

Karratha's SES unit were among the volunteers searching for Matilda on Noreena Downs Station. ( Supplied: Karratha SES )

"The police from Nullagine, Newman and Marble Bar, some didn't sleep from start to finish," she said.

"State Emergency Services — SES (from) Newman, Port Hedland, Tom Price and Karratha, I don't think Newman really slept.

"Department of Fire and Emergency Services, their coordinating and food delivery. The support and job dedication from WA Police, SES and DFES was massive."

A host of local helicopter mustering companies were thanked, along with Newman Horse Club for helping on the ground and "all our local station mobs and civilians who came along".

"It was hard work for the horses but they came and searched with big hearts, as did their riders," Ms Paull said.

"One station bloke came all the way from Queensland and got halfway out to Noreena, found out she had been found, jumped in a motorcar with another station bloke and bolted back to town to get beverages for the celebration."

Helicopter team who found Matilda praised

Ms Paull reserved special attention for the unnamed helicopter pilot and spotter who found Matilda.

Matilda was reunited with family members on Thursday after a long night alone with Wolfy. ( Supplied: WA Police )

"The spotter has eyes of a hawk and they are a good team together," she said.

"I can't imagine the emotions they went through upon finding her and when looking as they are both parents to a young fella.

"All the helicopter pilots except one were fathers with kids, some with kids the same age as Matilda, this was the same for everyone else involved in the search and helping."

She also paid tribute to Wolfy for remaining by Matilda's side.

Wolfy has been described by the family as "very loyal and special" after staying with Matilda. ( Instagram: chooky_paull )

"Wolfy, I always said you were a good little dog and you never let us down," she said.

"Thank you from the bottom of our heart little fella for being her protector and keeping her safe, you are very loyal and special."

She said the family was grateful for the ongoing support they were receiving.

"To our country and the world thank you for your best wishes, thoughts and prayers," she said.

"We apologise if we miss anyone … we can never tell yous [sic] in words how much all your efforts mean to us, our appreciation and gratification towards yous is eternal.

"This is our community far and wide and … Nathan, myself, Matilda, Wolfy, family and Noreena Downs are very grateful we live in it."

St John Ambulance and Newman Hospital were among the others who were thanked, for taking care of Matilda after she was found.