Ivan Milat became known as Australia's backpacker killer in the 1980s. His grisly killings included German, British and Australian backpackers.

The infamous serial killer died in a Sydney prison aged 74 on Sunday, forever ending hopes of deathbed confessions of more killings. He had been diagnosed with cancer in May.

Speculations had long continued with police and the public believing Milat had an accomplice and had been the man responsible behind several other murders and tourist disappearances.

Milat was convicted of the brutal murder of three German, two British and two Australian backpackers. He gave the hitchhikers rides before killing them. Forensic reports showed bullet and stab wounds and found evidence that the victims may not have died instantly from their wounds.

Their mutilated bodies were found in a forest in 1992 and 1993.