The family of a Belgian backpacker who had gone missing in the Australian state of Tasmania three years ago said they “finally have answers" after police found her remains in a rainforest.
Celine Cremer, 31, was last seen on 17 June 2023 and her friends reported her disappearance nine days later. The backpacker had travelled to Philosopher Falls, a popular hiking spot about 300km northwest of Tasmania’s Hobart before she went missing. She had planned a short bushwalk but never returned.
On Friday, police confirmed that the remains which were found in a private search has been "provisionally identified" as Cremer's.
Tasmania police commander Nathan Johnston said expert reports "provided compelling evidence" that the remains which were discovered in the area, were likely those of Cremer.
"While this … will not ease their loss, we hope the outcome will provide them with some measure of clarity and closure," he said.
He said the provisional identification had been made with the permission of her family.
A major search was launched after she went missing. Police and State Emergency Service ground crews, specialist swift water rescue personnel, drones and a helicopter frantically searched for her but no clues were found.
Police believed that she went on a walk during the night and her car was found in the falls car park, a day after the missing report was filed for her. A privately funded search began in December 2025 after Cremer's family hired a private investigator to scour the area. It led them to their first findings, with members of the crew finding her phone near the Philosopher Falls.
A month later, search teams found her bones, teeth, and clothing after a bushwalker discovered bones on a stretch of Arthur River, about 2km from the tourist’s last known location.
Cremer's sister, Amelie Cremer, wrote on social media that the development has brought the family "immense relief" after three years of waiting.
"After almost three years of endless waiting, we finally have answers," she posted to Facebook.
"DNA tests and dental expertise confirmed that everything matched Celine. These words are hard to write … but they also bring us immense relief.
"After all this time, Celine can finally go home. She will be able to rest in peace, surrounded by love that never left her side”.
In a message to her sister, she said “Celine, we never forgot you.
"Your absence has left a huge void, but your smile, your energy and all the love you gave us live on within us.
"Today we bring you near us."
Commander Johnston thanked community members for their ongoing support and interest in Cremer's case and said a report would be prepared for the coroner, who will make an official determination of the identity of the remains.
"We want to thank community members for their ongoing support and interest in Celine's case," Commander Johnston said.
"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."
