But it appears dental records are needed to confirm the identity of human remains found in a shallow bush grave deep in the Watagans.

Any hope that forensic pathologists would be able to formally identify the body during an autopsy yesterday seems to have been dashed by the state of decomposition of the remains.

Strike Force Beamish detectives, comprised of investigators from Lake Macquarie and Sydney, have an opinion on who the remains are but will await the formal process.

The body was discovered by two men and their dog on Saturday afternoon.

It was partially decomposed and did not appear to have lain in the shallow grave for long.

The grave was in rugged bush on an embankment, and the length of time needed for decomposition would depend on the elements.

It took two days for crime scene experts to exhume the body before it was taken to the Newcastle morgue.

Police said the man was of white or European appearance, about 174 centimetres tall and of medium build.

He was believed to be between 20 and 40 years old.

Information should be forwarded to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.