SES crews pulled the vehicle out on Sunday after earlier going in to check for anyone still in the van.

Orange police Chief Inspector Dave Harvey said the driver had been contacted by police. He said the man was not injured in the drama.

Orange City SES commander Inspector Rob Stevens said the water would have been about one metre above the crossing and moving fast when the vehicle attempted to cross on July 30.

He said it appeared the vehicle went about 10 metres before it became bouyant and was swept away.

VIDEO: RESCUING THE VEHICLE

Mr Stevens said an excavator was used to pull the vehicle out after SES crews had attached chains to it.

"Apart from a dinged-up boat propeller the recovery effort by all involved was a success with the truck on dry land just before midday," he said.

"It's another reminder that regardless of the size, type or weight of your vehicle, how good a driver you think you are or if you've "driven this a hundred times before and nothing's ever happened"...never drive, ride or walk through floodwater."

The vehicle was first spotted in the river a week ago by Orange resident Colin Young.

He said police told him they had not had any reports about the vehicle before he informed them.

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