Homicide Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance as part of the investigation into the death of a man in Noojee on Sunday.
Investigators have been told a 49-year-old Springvale man travelled with his dog to the Toorongo Falls camp ground on Monday, 15 June and intended on camping there for a period of time.
The camp grounds are located near the intersection of Toorongo Valley Road and Fawcett Track approximately 5km north east of Noojee.
Investigators believe that on the evening of Friday, 19 June up to 25 groups were camped at the site.
By Saturday afternoon, according to witnesses a significant number of campers had left the site, however it is believed around a dozen camp sites remained.
Investigators have information that the Springvale man was assaulted by other campers sometime late on Friday evening or early Saturday morning following an altercation, possibly relating to the man's dog.
It is believed this assault was witnessed by a number of people.
About 9pm on Saturday, 20 June, the victim and a Langwarrin man drove to a hotel in nearby Noojee.
Staff at the hotel were so concerned for the man's condition that medical assistance was sought, however the man refused the assistance and the pair left the hotel and returned to the campsite.
About 9pm on the Sunday, the pair returned to the hotel seeking medical assistance after the Springvale man had become disoriented.
Staff at the hotel then called for an ambulance.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and he was taken to hospital however, the man died en route.
Images of the victim's vehicle, along with two images of the site where he had set up camp, have been released in the hope that anyone who was in the area at the time recognises them.
An image of the victim has also been released as investigators hope to speak to anyone who may have seen the Springvale man while he was in the area over the course of the past week.
Detective Inspector Tim Day said the assault appeared to be unprovoked and police have information that it was witnessed by a number of people.
"We know that people witnessed the incident and those people will be able to assist us in identifying those responsible for the assault," Detective Inspector Day said.
"We are asking for anyone who camped at the Toorongo Falls camp ground between Monday the 15 June and Monday 22 June 2020 to please contact Crime Stoppers and register your details.
"More specifically we'd like to speak to anyone who was at the campground over this last weekend from Friday 19 June through until Monday 22 June.
"Police are also asking anyone who may have seen the victim at the Noojee Hotel on either Saturday or Sunday evenings or witnessed the assault to contact police."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
