Detective Inspector Jay Notaro's car and surfboard were found at Broken Head in Byron Bay on Tuesday after the high-profile officer, 45, failed to show up for work.
An extensive water search commenced early afternoon and continued into the evening without success.
Police on land and water, a Queensland police helicopter and surf lifesavers resumed the search about 7am on Wednesday.
The search is focused on the areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly the Broken Head area, NSW Police said.
Queensland police said they and the officer's family are worried for his welfare as his disappearance is considered out of character.
"Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police," a spokeswoman said.
"There is no further information available at this time."
Det Insp Notaro started with Queensland police in Townsville in 2003, rising through the ranks to oversee a number of homicide investigations in the Gold Coast from 2015 onwards.
In 2024, the Queensland Homicide Victims' Support Group presented its annual compassion in policing award to the detective inspector for going beyond his duty for a victim's relative.
"Jay was always there for myself and my family statements, media interviews, phone calls, and texts," said nominee Sharni Mill, whose partner Greg Dufty was murdered his Brisbane home in 2015.
"He made impossibly difficult tasks a little easier to handle."
Det Insp Notaro has also played a major role in the local water police command and Volunteer Marine Rescue noted he had a keen interest in surfing.
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