The family of the 77-year-old Devonport man raised the alarm with police about 9.15pm Friday, after he failed to return from a day-long walking expedition.

A family friend began searching the tracks, locating the man's car and a pushbike he had been using.

Police search and rescue were also sent to the area and began a walking party along nearby tracks.

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Sadly, the man was found dead about an hour later by the family friend, on the ridgeline track in the Kimberley lookout area.

Due to the steep surrounding terrain the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was utilised to assist search and rescue members with the retrieval of the man's body.

Police say the man was unaccompanied on the walk, however he was an experienced walker and had knowledge of tracks in the area.

The event has been described as devastating, with police expressing their condolences to the friends and family of the man.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.