NSW Police believe an escapee from a correctional facility on the south coast may be hiding in the ACT.

David Johnson, 44, was last seen on The Links Road, South Nowra, about 7.45 am on January 29.

Police say he is known to frequent the ACT, Queanbeyan and Wollongong areas. 

Johnson is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185 cm tall, with a medium build, brown hair, blue eyes, and a goatee-style beard. He has several distinctive tattoos, including a dragon or snake over his right shoulder, a large animal on his thigh, and a name across his back, possibly “Kayla”.

Anyone who sees Johnson is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.