A land and air search of an area south west of Tennant Creek is underway as Northern Territory Police search for a group who failed to return from a day trip yesterday.

Police on motorbikes and 4WDs are searching for Steve Sutton who is one of three adults travelling with two children, who did not return from a day trip to Lake Surprise yesterday.

It is believed Steve is travelling with his cousin Charles May, Charles’ partner Nikki and their two children aged 2 and 9 months old. The group are travelling in a Maroon Mazda Bravo ute with a canopy and NT registration BUNGY63; and a white Toyota Dual Cab Hilux with NT registration CC47UZ.

A helicopter in currently on route from Alice Springs to assist searching a large area 20km south west of Tennant Creek.

Recent weather in the Barkly region has flooded local roads and creeks and police hold concerns for the group as it is unknown what, if any provisions were taken.

Northern Territory Police are urging anyone who may have information as to the whereabouts of Steve, Charles or Nikki or who may have heard from them recently, to contact police immediately on 131 444.

Travellers and visitors to Central Australia and the Barkly region are reminded to avoid travelling to remote areas during inclement weather, and always make sure someone knows of your departure and intended return times.