Colin John Carleton, a Bendigo Bank manager of the Atherton branch in Queensland, has confessed to theft of bank funds worth about $3 million.

Mr. Carleton attended before the Magistrates Court of Mareeba today where he was charged with one instance of theft as a servant.

The bank manager of the Atherton branch of Bendigo Bank, presently 55 years of age, has gone missing on July 13 right before a scheduled appearance with fraud investigation authorities.

He was found and arrested yesterday at a camping site at Cape Tribulation, within the gorunds of the Daintree rainforest.

Mr. Carleton maintained an emotionless demeanor as he appeared before the court in a blue collared shirt, track pants, and shoe thongs.

His facial hair had been trimmed and cleaned.

Sergeant Brad Hafner, prosecutor for the police, said to the court that Mr. Carleton had stated "full and frank admissions" to authorities regarding the stealing of the bank money.

Sergeant Hafner said the authorities were waiting for Bendigo Bank's report; however, he also said the total sum of the money fraud was around $3 million.

He also stated that matters are expected to progress via an indictment ex-officio, meaning Mr. Carleton would give up a committal hearing.

Outside the court, Dean, the son of Mr. Carleton, together with his sisters Kelly and Megan, said their family was still in a state of shock.

"We just came here to find some answers like everyone else," he remarked.

Dean Carleton disclosed that he still has not spoken with his father, but they were "just glad he is alive" after he disappeared for several days.

"We're doing alright, it's a bit of a shock," he stated.

"We just want to pick up the pieces and get our lives back on track."

Mr. Carleton did not pursue bail and remained in the authorities' custody. He is set to appear before court again on August 30.