Celine Cremer: New theories have emerged in search for missing Belgian woman, Tasmania
Volunteers desperately searching for a missing Belgian backpacker have revealed new theories days after human remains were found near where she vanished.
New theories have emerged about the disappearance of backpacker Celine Cremer after human remains and clothing were found scattered along the riverbed in Tasmania’s northwest.
Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer, 31, disappeared on June 17, 2023, after driving to Philosopher Falls, about 300km Northwest of Hobart.
It’s understood she intended to go for a short bushwalk through the falls, but never returned.
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Ms Cremer was reported missing nine days after failing to return from the bushwalk.
Police renewed the search for the missing backpacker on Friday after human remains were found near where Ms Cremer vanished.
Items of clothing – including a polar fleece jacket – were also discovered in the search.
In December 2025, Ms Cremer’s mobile phone was discovered about 300m from the walking track where she was last seen.
Her disappearance prompted volunteers from Tasmania to search for the woman’s remains, led by Australian private investigator Ken Gamble.
One of the volunteers, Jarrod Boys, discovered human remains – believed to be a female jawbone – along the riverbed on January 28.
Speaking to YouTuber Rob Parsons, who retraced Ms Cremer’s steps in the search for her remains, Mr Boys revealed a theory that she may have lost her phone during the bushwalk.
“My theory is she’s come from the crest of the hill, south of where she lost her phone,” he said.
Mr Boys said she may have walked through the dense bushland and become disoriented.
“I thought it was very likely she’d crossed the water race without noticing, gone into the river and had no idea whether it was the same river the falls are on, not knowing which direction she’s facing or where she is in relation to the carpark or any other landmark in the area,” he said.
Mr Boys said it was possible Ms Cremer had followed the river downstream and possibly “had a slip on the bank” or “fell into the fast-flowing water”.
He said he may not have discovered the remains if it were not summer when the “water’s nice and low”.
“It’s pretty easy to see most of the area, especially what was underwater in winter,” he said.
Police confirmed the search had been temporarily suspended after the human remains were found.
“Crews were again winched into an area along a section of the Arthur River (on Saturday) following the discovery of further human remains and a number of items of clothing yesterday,” a spokesperson said.
Commander Nathan Johnston said: “While it is unfortunate we have not located any further items today, our crews have searched extensively over the past two days, and the discoveries made yesterday remain significant.
“At this stage, the search will not resume (on Sunday), with a plan to reassess the situation.”
Originally published as ‘Slipped’: Theory in search for missing backpacker Celine Cremer
