The family of a Tasmanian backpacker missing in Rio say they're being kept in the dark regarding the ongoing search by Australian and Brazilian authorities.
Rye Hunt, 25, has been missing since May 21 when he left Galeao International Airport alone in a taxi after an argument with his travelling companion Mitchell Sheppard.
He subsequently booked into a Copacabana apartment.
Mr Hunt's family revealed on Tuesday he checked into a room in the famous beachside district just one hour after leaving the Rio airport about 2.30pm on Saturday.
He left the apartment about 6.20pm that evening leaving behind a laptop, travel bags, a camera and a number of other items.
"The owner of the apartment has been questioned by police," the family said in a statement on Tuesday.
But Mr Hunt's relatives say they're hearing about new developments in the investigation through the media rather than official channels and "this is causing considerable distress to members of Rye's family".
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said DFAT was passing information from Brazilian authorities to the Hunts whenever they received it.
"Our consular officials are in contact with the family when we get information from Brazilian authorities," she told reporters in Melbourne.
"We're doing what we can to find out what happened to Rye Hunt."
Brazilian police were treating Mr Hunt's disappearance as a missing person case and authorities in both countries are working together, Ms Bishop insisted on Tuesday.
Mr Hunt was travelling with Mr Sheppard when the pair agreed to briefly separate at the airport to cool off after an argument.
Mr Hunt's family say an item was purchased on the 25-year-old's bank card a few minutes after he left the Copacabana apartment he'd checked into.
