Search continues for missing 18-year-old hiker in Australia
A multi-agency search is ongoing in New South Wales' Southern Highlands for 18-year-old Sydney resident Lily Hooper, who has not been in contact since setting off on a hike on Wednesday. Police, emergency services and defence personnel are involved in the effort.
Authorities in New South Wales are continuing an extensive search for 18-year-old Sydney woman Lily Hooper, who went missing in Nattai national park in the Southern Highlands, north-west of Mittagong. Hooper left her home in Sydney's south-west around 8am on Wednesday, 12 August, telling her family she was heading out for a hike.
She was reported missing after failing to return that evening and becoming unreachable, despite having sent messages from the park earlier in the day. The search began after her car was found parked on Wanganderry Road, near the start of the Bonnum Pic walking trail at High Range, around 11pm that night.
On Saturday, police said early inquiries suggest Hooper reached the summit of Bonnum Pic around mid-morning on Wednesday but has not been in contact since.
Multiple agencies join the effort
The search involves local police, regional Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service and members of Hooper's family, though no further trace of her has been found. Defence force personnel joined on Friday, alongside drones, an ambulance helicopter and specialist rescuers including trail-bike riders.
A police spokesperson said the search continued overnight, with fresh teams arriving at the park at 7am on Saturday. Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles said on Friday that authorities held concerns for Hooper's safety but remained hopeful, noting she is an experienced hiker. It remains unclear what supplies she was carrying.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed sympathy for the family and said he was hoping for good news. Hooper is described as Caucasian, about 175cm tall, slim, with long blond hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing a shirt and shorts. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Moss Vale police station or Crime Stoppers.
