Man charged over 'horrific' 1988 rape of teenager

Victorian police have charged a Queensland man as part of an investigation into the "horrific" historic rape of a 19-year-old woman.

Detectives travelled to Queensland on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation and arrested a 57-year-old man.

The man was extradited to Victoria on Saturday and charged with two counts of aggravated rape, two counts of abduction by force for sexual penetration, kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Police will allege the woman was walking along Carlisle Street, St Kilda, on January 23, 1988, when she was grabbed by an unknown man.

The victim was allegedly driven to Elwood Beach and sexually assaulted.

The incident was reported to police at the time but an offender was not identified.

Investigators reopened the case in May 2021 after more information came to light.

"After an agonising wait, we are happy to be able to inform our victim/survivor the news she has been waiting for," Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Robinson said on Saturday.

"To be a 19-year-old woman, happily walking home after a fun night out, who suddenly had her world changed instantly in this way is unimaginable."

Sen Sgt Robinson said detectives had not given up on the investigation "in the hope we could bring justice for this horrific crime".

"Shocking crimes like this leave a permanent imprint on the victim/survivor and also the community," he said.

"We hope we have delivered some closure and relief."

The man has been remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on January 17.