A bushwalker has located human remains near the Philosopher Falls area in Waratah on Tasmania’s west coast, where tourist Celine Cremer went missing in 2023, according to Tasmania Police.

Police Inspector Andrew Hanson said Ms Cremer’s family in Belgium was notified this afternoon.

“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.

A young woman poses for a photo on a walking track near coastal area.

Tasmania Police say forensic testing will take place to determine whether the remains are those of Celine Cremer. (Facebook)

Inspector Hanson said the bushwalker had been searching the area as part of continued efforts to find out what happened to Ms Cremer.

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

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

A young woman smiles at the camera.

Police have notified Celine Cremer’s family in Belgium about the discovery. (Facebook)

Bushwalker tells of discovery

Jarrod Boys, a volunteer search team member, said he stumbled across human remains about two-and-a-half hours into the search.

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

He said he quickly snapped some pictures and raced back up to the track to get some phone reception to call police.

A group of people pose for a photo in bushland.

Jarrod Boys (fourth from left), pictured with others during the ongoing search efforts for missing tourist Celine Cremer. (Instagram: Jarrod Boys)

Mr Boys said the remains were found about two hours’ walking distance from where other items were discovered in December, in an area the search party had not been through.

“The bones that I saw were just lying on top of a pile of soil and stones,” he said.

Ken Gamble wears a black t-shirt and black cap, and holds a mobile phone in a gloved hand as three other people look on.

Celine Cremer’s phone was found during a recent search of the area, renewing hopes her remains would eventually be found. (Australian Story: Morgan Timms)

Ms Cremer was 31 and travelling in Tasmania as a backpacker when she disappeared during a bushwalk near Philosopher Falls in June 2023.

A significant search effort was held in the months following her disappearance, but searchers were unable to locate her.

In December 2025, her mobile phone was found in thick shrub about 300 metres from the walking track, during a renewed search.

Those involved in the search have theorised that Ms Cremer became disoriented and lost after walking off the track on a cold afternoon, before losing her phone.