Human remains have been found near the remote location where a Belgian hiker went missing more than two years ago.

Police say bushwalkers discovered the body while searching for Celine Cremer, who was last seen in the Philosopha Falls area near Cradle Mountain in north-west Tasmania on June 17, 2023.

The 31-year-old was reported missing by her family on June 26, prompting a massive search involving police and SES ground staff, specialist rapid water rescue personnel, drones and helicopters.

Kremer is believed to have gone for a walk, and her car was found in a waterfall parking lot the day after the missing person was reported.

Inspector Andrew Hanson confirmed on Wednesday that the woman’s family in Belgium had been informed of the discovery.

“Forensic tests have not yet been completed, but a pathologist has examined the images and confirmed that the remains are human,” he said.

“Volunteers contacted police immediately after the discovery and Western District officers and specialist forensic scientists are on the scene.”

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Another civilian-led search began in December 2025, when members of the group found Kremer’s cell phone in the Philosopha Falls area.

The initial search was called off on July 10, 2023, after experts said Kremer would not have survived in the bad weather.

Police subsequently deployed cadaver dogs to search additional “areas of interest” in Philosopha Falls after receiving new information about her phone activity, but the search was unsuccessful.

Ms Hanson said the discovery would have been a devastating development for her loved ones.

“We hope this will help all involved provide answers, but a formal forensic analysis is needed to determine whether the remains are Celine’s,” he added.

“The individuals who discovered these bodies have been dedicated to the search for Celine for some time, and the continued efforts of them and other volunteer search parties reflects the strong support of the community behind this matter.”