The man, aged in his 40s, had set off from Mungabareena Reserve on Monday afternoon.

He was travelling alone and made plans to reach Noreuil Park about 7pm.

His parents raised the alarm with police when he failed to arrive, with emergency rescue crews notified about 10pm.

Police managed to pinpoint the location of his phone about midnight at Splitters Creek after the man reached the bank and started walking home.

Albury and Border Rescue Squad captain Paul Marshall said the group had sent one boat upstream of Noreuil Park and a boat downstream of Mungabareena, but had failed to find the canoeist.

He said the man had likely become disoriented and missed his intended destination.

“His parents had gone looking for him but couldn’t find him,” Mr Marshall said.

“It was getting dark when they contacted the police.

“He was well prepared – he had a good canoe, was reportedly wearing a life jacket and had a phone on him.

“The river can be quite confusing in the dark.”

He said the incident showed the importance of being prepared. 

“It doesn't hurt to take extra supplies, water, food and a torch,” he said. 

“We're extremely happy that this had a very positive outcome, that he was found. 

"We would have hated to start the year off with a tragedy on our river. 

"We were very happy when he was located safe and sound.”