Human remains found near Philosopher Falls in Tasmania amid search for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer

More details have been revealed by police after a volunteer found human remains in the area where Belgian tourist Celine Cremer went missing in Tasmania’s northwest two years ago.

In a press conference on Thursday, Inspector Andrew Hanson told reporters there hadn’t been any other missing bushwalkers in this area.

“However, they don’t know the age of the bones and can’t definitely answer the question until testing is done,” he said.

Six experts are set to fly to the site of the remains on Friday via helicopter due to the length of time it would take to walk into the remote terrain.

“They’re going to be inserted approximately 400-500m downstream of where the remains were located, and they will then walk up the river in a what is effectively a line search,” he said.

When asked if police regret suspending their search in 2023, Inspector Hanson replied “no”, adding the assessments they make “are consistent with national practice”.

“The actual location of these remains is 2km away from the (search) scene,” he said.

“The water at that time was very high. As you might remember, the temperatures were an average of -2 in the nine days that we knew between when Celine went to Philosopher Falls and when she was reported missing.

“Our search and rescue teams did a really amazing job in the conditions.”

Meanwhile, Ms Cremer’s family have spoken publicly after the remains were discovered near the remote Tasmanian bush track where she vanished.

In a Facebook post, Ms Cremer’s relatives confirmed Tasmania Police had alerted them to the find along the Philosopher Falls river system near Waratah on the state’s west coast.

“Various tests still have to be carried out to confirm/inform that this is Celine. Briefly dating of bones, comparison with dental records, DNA tests with answers in 3 weeks max,” a message from Amelia and Ariane Cremer said.

“Whatever these answers are, we thank all the people who invested in supporting us and allowing us to try to find Celine.”

The 31-year-old disappeared on June 17, 2023, after driving to Philosopher Falls and setting off on what was believed to be a short bushwalk.

Her car was later found in the falls carpark, and she was reported missing nine days after she failed to return.

On Wednesday, Tasmania Police confirmed a bushwalker located the remains while taking part in a privately organised search effort on Wednesday, sparking a swift response from officers and forensic specialists.

Inspector Hanson said images had already been reviewed by a pathologist.

“While forensic testing is yet to be completed, a pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human,” Inspector Hanson said.

“The volunteer contacted police immediately after the discovery, and officers from the Western District, along with specialist forensic personnel, are attending the scene.”

He confirmed Ms Cremer’s family in Belgium had been notified and acknowledged the emotional toll of the development.

“We understand how distressing this development may be for her loved ones, 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,” he said.

Volunteer searcher Jarrod Boys has since been named as the person who made the discovery.

Mr Boys told ABC Radio Hobart that he came across the remains about 2½ hours into the search.

“I was just praying for a miracle that I’d be able to find something today,” Mr Boys said.

“I stopped to catch my breath and looked down and about a metre in front of me was a couple of human bones.

“I guess I went into shock. I was very overwhelmed. I’m not a particularly emotional guy, but yeah, it was definitely an emotional experience for me.”

The location was about two hours’ walking distance from where Ms Cremer’s mobile phone was discovered in thick scrub during a renewed search in December.

Videographer Rob Parsons, who helped co-ordinate the independent search efforts, praised Mr Boys’ dedication.

“Police have advised the remains were located by Jarrod Boys, a volunteer searcher who became involved after watching the search footage and updates I’ve shared publicly,” Mr Parsons said on Facebook.

“Jarrod has put in a huge amount of time and effort, and his determination deserves recognition.

“A pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human, however formal forensic analysis is still required before any identification can be made.”

After the alarm was raised, an extensive initial search involving police, SES crews, helicopters, drones and specialist rescue teams was hampered by wild winter conditions, including snow, subzero temperatures and heavy rain.

The operation was suspended in July 2023 after experts said Ms Cremer could not have survived the weather.

Police later deployed a cadaver dog following new information about phone activity, but that search also proved unsuccessful.

Those involved in the case have theorised Ms Cremer may have become disoriented after leaving the track on a cold afternoon, eventually losing her phone.

A privately led search resumed in December 2025, uncovering her purple Samsung mobile, along with other items believed to belong to her, reigniting hope for answers after more than two years of uncertainty.

Inspector Hanson said Mr Boys had spent significant time helping search for Ms Cremer.

“The person who located these remains has been dedicated to searching for Celine for some time, and their continued efforts and that of other volunteer search parties reflects the strong community support behind this matter,” he said.

Tasmania Police is expected to provide further updates as forensic testing continues.