In the misty, dense rainforests of Tasmania’s north-west, a poignant search for answers continues more than two and a half years after Belgian tourist Celine Cremer vanished without a trace. The 31-year-old backpacker, who had been exploring Australia for six months, disappeared in June 2023 while on a short, one-hour return hike to the scenic Philosopher Falls near Waratah.

Her white Honda CRV was discovered abandoned in the car park near the trailhead just days after her last sighting on June 17, 2023. Despite extensive police efforts involving helicopters, cadaver dogs, and swiftwater rescue teams, no sign of her was found, and the official search was suspended in July amid brutal winter conditions with sub-zero temperatures, snow, and heavy rain.

Now, a determined private search led by experienced investigator Ken Gamble has reignited hope. Friends and family of Cremer, including four who flew in from Belgium, have joined volunteers in a coordinated five-day effort. The search began on Saturday, December 13, 2025, and quickly yielded a major breakthrough: a volunteer discovered Cremer’s Samsung mobile phone, complete with its distinctive lilac case, buried in the undergrowth.

The device was confirmed as hers through serial number checks and was located roughly 60-100 meters from her last known GPS coordinates. Police believe Cremer may have used a navigation app to veer off the marked trail for a more direct route back to her car as daylight faded, possibly dropping the phone before becoming disoriented in the thick, treacherous terrain.

Private investigator Ken Gamble, who has led nearly a dozen searches in the area since Cremer’s friends contacted him, expressed cautious optimism. “I very much hope that today or tomorrow we will find her remains,” he told reporters, highlighting the emotional toll on the group. The discovery has brought raw emotion to the team, with volunteers describing the moment as “twist of fate” amid tears and renewed determination.

Tasmania Police have now formally joined the effort, deploying trained search and rescue officers and SES volunteers once weather improves. They are working closely with Gamble’s team to re-examine the area around the phone find and the likely path Cremer may have taken. Forensic examination of the phone is underway, and authorities remain in constant contact with Cremer’s mother in Belgium.

The case has gripped the community, with locals and Cremer’s friends organizing memorials and fundraisers to keep the search alive. The rugged Philosopher Falls area, known for its steep drops and impenetrable bush, has claimed lives before, but the persistence of those who loved Cremer underscores a deep desire for closure.

As the search resumes, the focus remains on providing answers in this heartbreaking mystery. Whether it brings resolution or further questions, the effort reflects the enduring bond between a lost traveler and those who refuse to forget her.