🚨 “She finally made it home, but…” — In a major breakthrough after more than two years of agony, human remains have been discovered in the remote Tasmanian wilderness where Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer vanished.

Police confirm the find near Philosopher Falls, sparked by a dedicated volunteer search—yet the heartbreaking truth emerges: forensic tests are still needed, no personal items were with the bones, and closure remains agonizingly out of reach.

Her family in Belgium has been notified, clinging to hope amid the pain.

This long-running mystery takes a devastating turn… 💔🌿

Tasmania Police have announced a significant but deeply somber development in the more than two-year search for missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer: human remains have been located near the remote Philosopher Falls area where she disappeared in June 2023. The discovery, made by a volunteer during a privately organized search effort, has been shared with Cremer’s family in Belgium, though formal identification through forensic analysis is pending.

Celine Cremer, 31 at the time of her disappearance, was a solo backpacker exploring Australia when she went missing. She was last seen in the small mining town of Waratah on Tasmania’s rugged northwest coast on June 17, 2023. Cremer had driven to the Philosopher Falls trailhead, parked her vehicle, and set out on what was believed to be a short bushwalk along the track leading to the scenic waterfall. Her car was later found in the parking area, but she never returned.

Family in Belgium reported her missing nine days later, on June 26, triggering an intensive police search involving ground teams, helicopters, and dogs. Initial efforts, hampered by dense bushland, cold winter conditions, and difficult terrain, were suspended after several days without success. Police described the weather during her likely time in the area as “not survivable” for an unprepared hiker, with hypothermia a primary concern.

The case faded from headlines until a renewed, privately led search began in December 2025, fueled by persistent family advocacy and support from volunteers, including Tasmanian filmmaker Rob Parsons, who documented efforts on social media and YouTube. A key breakthrough came when searchers located Cremer’s mobile phone under foliage in the Philosopher Falls vicinity, reigniting hope and narrowing focus to the surrounding river system and bushland.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a bushwalker participating in the volunteer search discovered what appeared to be human remains near the Arthur River close to Philosopher Falls. Tasmania Police responded swiftly, deploying forensic specialists to the scene. Inspector Andrew Hanson confirmed the remains were human, as verified by a pathologist reviewing images, and included items such as a lower jawbone among seven suspected bone fragments recovered so far.

“We understand how distressing this development may be for her loved ones,” Hanson said in a statement. “While everyone involved hopes it will help to provide answers, formal forensic analysis is required before we can determine whether the remains belong to Celine.” He added that the proximity to the disappearance site made it a strong possibility, though no personal belongings—such as clothing, jewelry, or identification—were found with the bones, leaving positive identification reliant on DNA or other scientific methods, which could take weeks.

Cremer’s family was notified privately before the public announcement, a step police emphasized to allow them time to process the news. In a Facebook post shared by relatives, they acknowledged the update, expressing a mix of gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication and profound sorrow at the potential confirmation of their worst fears. The family has maintained hope throughout the ordeal, with appeals for continued support and information.

The volunteer who made the discovery, described by some reports as going into shock upon realization, has been praised by authorities for his persistence. Inspector Hanson highlighted the “true digger spirit” of those involved in the independent search, crediting their efforts for the breakthrough. Plans for additional line searches along the Arthur River were announced, with police officers to be winched into the remote area for further examination.

The Philosopher Falls track, part of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness region, is known for its stunning natural beauty but also its hazards: steep, slippery paths, dense vegetation, fast-flowing rivers, and rapidly changing weather. Cremer’s case echoes other disappearances in remote Australian bushland, where solo hikers face extreme risks from exposure, injury, or disorientation.

Tasmania Police have stressed that foul play is not suspected, with early indications pointing to a tragic accident—possibly a fall, hypothermia, or getting lost in the unforgiving terrain. No evidence of criminal involvement has emerged throughout the investigation.

The news has drawn widespread attention in Belgium, Australia, and international backpacking communities, with condolences flooding social media. Posts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook from supporters and fellow travelers remember Cremer as adventurous, kind, and full of life, emphasizing the importance of safety in remote areas.

As forensic work proceeds, the focus remains on providing answers and, if confirmed, allowing Cremer’s family to bring her home for a proper farewell. The discovery offers a potential path to closure after years of uncertainty, yet the absence of immediate definitive proof underscores the emotional toll on those waiting.

Tasmanian authorities continue to urge caution for all bushwalkers: preparation, communication of plans, and respect for the wilderness are essential. In the wake of this heartbreaking update, the search for Celine Cremer—now possibly at its end—serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life amid nature’s grandeur.