A bushwalker has discovered what are believed to be human remains near Philosopher Falls in Tasmania’s remote north-west, more than two years after Belgian tourist Celine Cremer vanished in the area.
Tasmania Police confirmed the discovery was made on Wednesday morning by a volunteer who had been searching for the missing 31-year-old.
A pathologist has reviewed images of the remains and confirmed they are human, though formal forensic testing is yet to be completed.
Inspector Andrew Hanson said specialist forensic personnel were attending the scene near Waratah.
“While forensic testing is yet to be completed, a pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human,” he said.
Cremer’s family in Belgium has been notified of the discovery.
“We understand how distressing this development may be for her loved ones,” Inspector Hanson said.
“And 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.”
The Belgian backpacker was last seen in Waratah on June 17, 2023.
Police believe she drove to Philosopher Falls and set off on what was meant to be a short bushwalk before becoming lost in dense terrain.
Her disappearance was not reported until nine days later when she failed to board a Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Officers then found her car in the Philosopher Falls carpark.
Extensive searches in the weeks that followed found no trace of her, with sub-zero temperatures, snow and rain hampering efforts.
Medical experts advised at the time that the conditions were not survivable.
The case was reignited in December 2025 when a privately organised search party discovered Cremer’s mobile phone about 60 metres from her last known coordinates.
Police said the phone’s location supported their theory she had left the main track to take a shortcut back to her car as daylight faded.
Inspector Hanson paid tribute to the volunteer searchers who had refused to give up.
“The person who located these remains has been dedicated to searching for Celine for some time,” he said.
“And their continued efforts and that of other volunteer search parties reflects the strong community support behind this matter.”
Police said further confirmed information would be released once forensic analysis was complete.
