Henry Peters escaped from the farm section of the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, about an hour west of Cairns, on Tuesday. Efforts to find him have so far been unsuccessful.

The prison houses both high-security and low-security prisoners, and includes a large farm area used by the latter.

The 28-year-old is serving a two-year sentence for breaking and entering a dwelling with violence or threats.

He has a medium build with dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair, and has scars on his left eyebrow and across his right inner elbow.

The corrective services investigation unit and local police are assisting with the search.

Members of the public have been told not to approach him and to call triple zero if they see him.

Those with information about his whereabouts should contact police.