In a heartbreaking twist to one of Tasmania’s most enduring missing person cases, investigators have uncovered what appears to be the hidden shelter of Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, along with personal items that suggest she was on the verge of making her way back to safety. The discovery, made deep in the rugged wilderness near Philosopher Falls, has left rescuers and her loved ones grappling with the possibility that rescue was tantalizingly close—yet ultimately out of reach. As hope built during an intensified search effort, this chilling update has shifted the narrative, pointing to a tragic outcome in the dense Tasmanian bushland.

Celine Cremer, a 31-year-old adventurer from Belgium, vanished on June 17, 2023, while embarking on a solo hike at Philosopher Falls, a popular but challenging trail in Tasmania’s northwest. Known for its steep descents through thick Tarkine rainforest and stunning waterfall views, the area attracts nature enthusiasts but also poses significant risks, especially in winter conditions. Cremer had been exploring Tasmania for six months, immersing herself in the island’s wild beauty. She was just days away from wrapping up her journey, with plans to catch a ferry to Victoria on June 21. CCTV footage from a local roadhouse in Waratah captured her purchasing supplies earlier that day, appearing upbeat and prepared for a short outing.

Her disappearance sparked immediate concern when she failed to board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry as scheduled. Friends and family raised the alarm, leading authorities to locate her car parked at the Philosopher Falls trailhead on June 27. Initial searches were extensive, involving Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service volunteers, and cadaver dogs. The terrain—marked by dense undergrowth, fallen logs, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather—proved formidable. Winter temperatures plummeted to below freezing, with heavy rain and snow complicating efforts. Despite deploying advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging, no trace of Cremer was found, and the official search was suspended on July 10, 2023. Police speculated she may have become disoriented in the fading light, veering off the marked path into impenetrable bush.

For over two years, the case lingered as a mystery, haunting the small community of Waratah—a town of about 250 residents known for its mining history, pub, and scenic attractions. Cremer’s family, particularly her mother Ariane, refused to give up. They enlisted private investigator Ken Gamble, who conducted multiple reconnaissance trips and analyzed data from Cremer’s phone with permission from her relatives. Gamble’s team pored over GPS pings, which last placed her at a high point on a hill near the falls, where her device connected to satellites before going silent. Theories emerged that she might have attempted a shortcut back to her car as darkness fell, only to lose her way in the thick vegetation.

The breakthrough came in December 2025, when a renewed private search effort, bolstered by friends from Belgium and local volunteers, reignited the hunt. Starting on December 13, the team—numbering around 20 to 30 people—formed grid lines to comb the area systematically. Conditions were grueling: freezing mornings gave way to soaring heat, with hazards like tiger snakes, gusty winds, and massive fallen trees slowing progress. Yet, optimism grew as the group felt they were “hot on her trail.”

On the first day, volunteer Tony Hage spotted a flash of mauve under moss and leaf litter—a purple Samsung phone, confirmed by serial number to be Cremer’s. Located about 60 to 300 meters from her last known GPS coordinates, the device was remarkably intact despite exposure to the elements. It had registered signals for three days after her disappearance, though no outgoing activity was noted. Tasmania Police quickly took possession for forensic analysis, hoping to extract logs, photos, or location data that could map her final movements.

The discoveries didn’t stop there. On the second day, searchers uncovered an empty glass bottle of Mt Ossa Tasmanian spring water, complete with its lid, tucked beside a fallen tree. Nearby was a black garbage bag with holes cut into it, fashioned into a makeshift poncho or raincoat. These items were found in a spot that rescuers believe served as a temporary shelter—a hollow near a tree trunk, possibly insulated with moss and leaves for warmth. The water bottle, bearing an expiration date of April 2024, matched a brand Cremer might have carried, and the garbage bag aligned with her eco-conscious habits of packing out trash.

These findings painted a poignant picture: Cremer, an experienced outdoorswoman familiar with Tasmania’s harsh winters, appeared to have survived the initial night. She may have hunkered down in the shelter, using the poncho for protection against rain and cold, while rationing her water. The items suggest she was preparing to move on—perhaps gathering strength to navigate back to the trail or her car. Tragically, something intervened. Did she succumb to hypothermia, injury from a fall, or exhaustion? The absence of her remains nearby raises questions: Did she press onward without her phone, only to meet a fatal end elsewhere?

Ken Gamble, leading the effort pro bono, emphasized the significance of the shelter site. “It’s unclear if these belong to her yet, but it fits the profile. She wouldn’t litter; she carried bags like that,” he told reporters. Volunteers, including filmmaker Rob Parsons and map expert Alex Smith, expressed a mix of elation and sorrow. “We’re delighted to have found something, but it’s bittersweet without closure,” Parsons said. The search was paused after four days due to volunteer fatigue and impending bad weather, with forensics expected to determine if the items contain Cremer’s DNA.

The community response has been profound. Waratah resident Judi Hunter organized a basecamp with catering for the searchers and painted a memorial rock at the trailhead, inscribed with messages of hope. New signage warns hikers of the dangers, urging them to stay on marked paths. Locals, who once recommended Philosopher Falls to tourists, now share stories of the “nightmare” that unfolded. Cremer’s Belgian friends, who flew in for the search, vowed to return if needed, their determination fueled by a desire for answers.

This case echoes other wilderness disappearances, drawing comparisons to hikers lost in remote areas where panic and environmental factors prove deadly. Why didn’t Cremer call for help? Speculation points to poor signal, unfamiliarity with Australia’s emergency number (000), or the phone being lost early on. If she dialed Europe’s 112, it might have redirected, but logs could reveal more.

As forensic results loom, the discoveries have reignited public interest, prompting calls for better trail safety measures in Tasmania’s wilds. For Cremer’s family, the items offer a glimmer of understanding amid grief—evidence that she fought to survive, just days from home. Yet, the wilderness holds its secrets, leaving rescuers shaken by how close she might have been to salvation.