David Kennedy, 25, from Inverness, disappeared while attempting to cross Katherine Gorge, more than 200 miles south of Darwin.

The 25-year-old's girlfriend Tracey Braiden tried in vain to save him, according to her father David.

He said: "My daughter is not good in the water and so she stayed back.

Mr Kennedy was attempting to cross Katherine Gorge

"David ran into difficulty and she tried to pull him out but she was not able to.

"She is very distressed at what has happened."

The couple, who shared a flat in Aberdeen, left for Australia in April and planned to return home in March.

Mr Kennedy, a computer programmer, had been dating Miss Braiden, 28, for two years.

Mr Braiden paid tribute to Mr Kennedy

He said: "He was a very likeable young man.

"He was also serious and had his plans for life."

Northern Territory Police have ruled out a crocodile attack since the gorge is home to freshwater crocodiles - not the more dangerous saltwater variety.

A Foreign Office spokesman has confirmed Mr Kennedy's death and said relatives had been informed.