Search Intensifies for Missing 18-Year-Old Hiker Lily Hooper in Australia

Authorities in New South Wales, Australia, are continuing a large-scale search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, an experienced hiker who disappeared while on a bushwalking trip in Nattai National Park.

Lily left home on August 12, 2026, intending to go hiking, but she did not return as expected.

Her vehicle was later discovered near the entrance to the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, prompting emergency services to launch an extensive search of the surrounding wilderness.

By August 18, the search had entered its seventh day, but authorities had still been unable to locate Lily or any of her belongings.

The operation has involved emergency personnel searching challenging sections of the national park, with difficult terrain and remote bushland complicating the effort.

On August 19, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was also mobilized to assist authorities in the search for the missing teenager.

Despite the extensive operation, Lily’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Authorities are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have been in or around Nattai National Park and the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail around the time Lily disappeared.

The search remains active as emergency crews work to locate her and determine what happened after she set out on her hike.

Source: 7NEWS