Human remains found near Philosopher Falls in search for missing Belgian hiker
Human remains have been discovered near the Philosopher Falls area in Tasmania during a search for Belgian hiker Celine Cremer, who was last seen on 17 June 2023, police say. A bushwalker found the remains and contacted police, Inspector Andrew Hanson confirmed, adding that Cremer’s family in Belgium had been informed.
"While forensic testing is yet to be completed, a pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human," he said, and officers from the Western District along with specialist forensic personnel are attending the scene. Cremer, 31, was reported missing by her family on 26 June 2023, prompting a major search involving police and SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.
Her car was found in the Philosopher Falls car park a day after the missing person’s report was filed. An initial search was suspended on 10 July 2023 after experts said Cremer could not have survived in bad weather. Police later used a cadaver dog to search an additional "area of interest" at Philosopher Falls after new information about her phone activity, but that investigation was unsuccessful.
A privately led renewed search began in December 2025, and members of that group found Cremer’s phone in the Philosopher Falls area. Inspector Hanson said the discovery had been made by someone "who has been dedicated to searching for Celine for some time," and that the ongoing volunteer efforts reflect strong community support.
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