A convicted offender who allegedly escaped prison on a red tractor has been caught.

Michael Graeme Rennie, 43, was taken into custody just after midnight on Tuesday in Cow Bay, about a 2.5-hour drive north of Lotus Glen Low Custody Correctional Centre, in Far North Queensland, police confirmed.

The tractor — a Red Massey with a front bucket — remains missing.

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He had been on the run for more than a month after disappearing from the low-security facility on June 1.

The dramatic escape unfolded when Rennie was last seen at 10.20am carrying out duties at the correctional farm.

When officers conducted a midday headcount, he was nowhere to be found.

“He was conducting duties at the facility using a Red Massey Tractor ... so we believe he may well have left the facility with the tractor,” Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said at the time.

He was located about 2.5 hours north of the correction centre, in Cow Bay. Credit: Google Maps

Chetham confirmed the breakout did not involve a forced exit.

But police were stunned by the escape method Rennie used.

“Yes, I haven’t heard that one before, I don’t think anyone’s left in a tractor before.”

Police believed he was trying to reach family in the Far North when he escaped.

Rennie was serving a sentence of six years, three months and 23 days for offences including assault, burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and drug and weapons charges.

He has now been charged with one count each of escape from lawful custody and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and has been remanded in custody.

Rennie is due to face Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday.