A manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped from a jail in western Victoria.

Authorities believe low-security prisoner Christopher John Clarke, 29, escaped from Langi Kal Kal Prison near Beaufort some time between 9pm Wednesday night and 7am Thursday morning.

Extra security is in place at the unfenced prison with officers checking all vehicles to and from the complex and searching the nearby area. 

Clarke, 29, is described as caucasian, 192cm tall, solid build, shaved hair and weighing approximately 116kg. 

He was imprisoned for burglary and theft related matters and was last seen wearing green coloured prison issue attire. 

Uniformed officers with tracking dogs were this morning seen searching properties on nearby Racecourse Road.

Inmates at the prison farm are housed for short periods or as they are being prepared for release.

In April 2010, convicted murderer David Scott escaped from Langi Kal Kal Prison after climbing through a window in a dormitory block and hitching a ride on the Western Highway. 

A Corrections Victoria spokesperson said Victoria Police had been notified immediately. 

"The prisoner was due to be reviewed for parole next year and Corrections Victoria staff were working with him to prepare him for his transition back into society," the spokesperson said. 

Langi Kal Kal is a minimum-security prison for prisoners with a low security rating, including those nearing the end of their sentence. 

Victoria Police have released an image of Clarke and anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 000 immediately.