A renewed search for a missing bushwalker has come to a tragic end, eight months after he became separated from his group in dense Tasmanian bushland.

Human remains were discovered by a volunteer searcher in the Eagle Hawk Tier area in Underwood, north of Launceston on Saturday. 

The remains are believed to be of missing bushwalker Peter Willoughby, 76, who was  last seen in Hollybank area on October 5 last year.

Severe weather in the area around the time the Scottsdale local went missing halted progress, and did not allow for helicopter or drone resources to assist in the search. 

‘The volunteer contacted police immediately after the discovery,’ Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack said.

Alex Smith from Find Our Lost Loved Ones, one of the search organisers, got a call to come to the base camp, where he was advised that human remains had been found.

‘We had [Mr Willoughby’s] relatives there,’ he told the ABC.

 ‘It’s this grief and relief mixed together. It was just really good to be there to help.’

Human remains believed to be of Peter Willoughby (pictured) were discovered by volunteer searches in the Eagle Hawk Tier area, north of Launceston on Saturday.

Human remains were discovered by a volunteer searcher during a renewed search on Saturday. Pictured are police during a previous search

Volunteer searcher Paul Helleman added: ‘It’s a bittersweet thing really … the whole case is sad of course.’

‘But there’s also a bit of jubilation I guess because it brings closure to the family.’

The latest search on the weekend involved 50 volunteers.  

When Mr Willoughby first went missing, police, ambulance and SES rescue resources were heavily involved in the search.

But it was unsafe for the use of helicopter or drone resources due to poor weather.

Inspector Crack added there was still work to be done before Mr Willoughby’s family could finally get closure. 

‘Forensic testing is yet to be completed, however at this stage we can confirm the remains appear to be an adult human male,’ she said.

‘We understand how distressing this development may be for his loved ones, and while everyone involved hopes it will help to provide answers, formal forensic analysis is required before we can determine whether the remains belong to Peter.

‘Our thoughts are with Mr Willoughby’s family and loved ones.’

A report will be prepared for the coroner.