Tasmania police have confirmed remains found near the state’s Philosopher Falls last month have been provisionally identified as those of missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer.
Police said on Friday morning that expert reports had provided “compelling evidence” that the remains were likely hers, extending their condolences to her family, who have have been awaiting confirmation of the remains since being alerted to the discovery.
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Cremer was last seen on 17 June 2023 near Cradle Mountain. The 31-year-old was reported missing by her family nine days later, sparking a major search involving police and SES ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter.
Police believed she had set off on a walk and her car was found in the falls car park a day after the missing person’s report was filed.
No further trace was found until a privately funded search resumed in December 2025, when members of the group found her phone near Philosopher Falls.
Search teams made a breakthrough in January after a bushwalker discovered bones on a stretch of Arthur River, about 2km from the tourist’s last known location.
Five bones, teeth, a Honda car key and items of clothing were found during subsequent searches nearby.
The recent breakthroughs were made in an area of dense bushland that police only surveyed by helicopter in earlier searches.
“While this provisional confirmation will not ease their loss, we hope the outcome will provide them with some measure of clarity and closure,” Nathan Johnston, a commander with Tasmania police, said on Friday.
“We want to thank community members for their ongoing support and interest in Celine’s case, and I want to acknowledge the extensive efforts of search and rescue personnel, partner agencies and volunteers who dedicated significant time and resources during the many search phases.”
A report is being prepared for the coroner, who will officially identify the remains.
