Human Remains Found Near Area Linked to Celine Cremer Disappearance

Human remains believed to belong to missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer have been discovered in remote bushland in Tasmania’s north-west, raising hopes for long-awaited answers more than two years after her disappearance.

The bones were found on January 28, 2026, near the Arthur River, approximately three kilometers north-east of the Philosopher Falls car park—an area closely linked to Cremer’s final known movements in June 2023.

Tasmania Police confirmed a pathologist has reviewed images of the remains and determined they are human. Formal identification through DNA, dental records, and forensic analysis is now underway and could take up to three weeks.

Timeline: What Happened to Celine Cremer?

Celine Cremer, 31, was a Belgian backpacker traveling solo through Tasmania when she vanished during a short bushwalk.

• June 17, 2023: Cremer was last seen in Waratah, after setting out for Philosopher Falls.
• June 20, 2023: Her mobile phone emitted its final signal near the walking track.
• June 26, 2023: Her family in Belgium reported her missing after losing contact.
• Early July 2023: Large-scale police searches were scaled back due to harsh winter conditions and expert advice that survival was unlikely.

Her white Honda CRV was found parked at the Philosopher Falls trailhead, untouched, and no confirmed sightings were reported after her departure.

Discovery Made by Volunteer Searcher

The recent breakthrough came when volunteer searcher Jarrod Boys located bones exposed on soil and stones in a dry section of the Arthur River.

Boys immediately contacted police, who later recovered additional items believed to be human remains from shallow water nearby. Authorities say no other missing persons are linked to this area, strengthening the likelihood the remains may belong to Cremer.

Investigators believe she may have become disoriented in dense forest and followed the river downstream in an attempt to find help—a theory long held by search teams.

Renewed Police Search Underway

Following the discovery, Tasmania Police launched a targeted line search on January 29, 2026.

Six specialist officers were deployed by helicopter to systematically examine a 400–500 meter stretch of the Arthur River, starting downstream and moving upstream. Low water levels have allowed officers to wade through the river without diving equipment.

Inspector Andrew Hanson said the search strategy aligns with the theory that Cremer navigated along the watercourse.

Family Notified as Forensic Tests Continue

Cremer’s family has been formally notified of the discovery. While authorities acknowledge the distressing nature of the news, they say it may finally provide closure after years of uncertainty.

In a social media post, Cremer’s mother Ariane said forensic testing is expected to confirm identity within weeks and thanked volunteers and police for their continued efforts.

Police emphasized that no foul play is suspected, and the case remains consistent with an accidental death influenced by severe weather, isolation, and challenging terrain.

Phone Found Weeks Before Remains Discovery

In December 2025, a renewed private search led to the recovery of Cremer’s purple Samsung phone, a water bottle, and a plastic garbage bag in thick scrub roughly 300 meters off the walking track. The items supported theories that she left the trail and attempted to shelter from harsh conditions.

That discovery renewed momentum among volunteer searchers, ultimately leading to the finding of the remains weeks later.

A Case Marked by Persistence and Community Effort

The disappearance of Celine Cremer has highlighted the dangers of Tasmania’s rugged wilderness and the extraordinary commitment of volunteer searchers who refused to let the case fade.

As forensic results are awaited, authorities say the discovery may finally bring answers to one of Tasmania’s most enduring missing-person mysteries.