The search effort for an 18-year-old bushwalker who vanished in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales is intensifying, with fresh search teams deployed to the Nattai National Park on Saturday morning. Lily Hooper, an experienced hiker, departed her Sydney home around 8 AM on Wednesday, August 12th, informing her family of her intention to go hiking in the national park, situated north-west of Mittagong. Concerns escalated when she failed to return home that evening and could not be reached, despite having sent messages from within the park earlier in the day.
A full-scale search operation was initiated after her vehicle was discovered parked on Wanganderry Road, close to the trailhead for the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail at High Range, at approximately 11 PM on Wednesday. Initial inquiries by NSW police indicate that Hooper successfully reached the summit of Bonnum Pic sometime mid-morning on Wednesday, but there has been no further contact from her since then. The multi-agency search, which includes local police, regional Police Rescue units, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service, and members of Hooper’s family, has regrettably not yielded any additional signs of the missing teenager.
On Friday, defence force personnel joined the extensive search, which has also incorporated the use of drones, an ambulance helicopter, and various specialist rescue teams, including trail-bike riders. A spokesperson for the NSW police confirmed that the search continued throughout Friday night and that new teams arrived at the park at 7 AM on Saturday, further bolstering the ongoing efforts.
Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles expressed significant concern for Hooper’s safety on Friday but maintained a degree of optimism given her experience as a hiker. He stated, “We have not been able to fully confirm what supplies [Hooper] had with her at the time, but we are still hopeful that we will be able to locate her safe and sound.” He further emphasized, “We don’t have any information to suggest that this is anything other than an overdue hiker.”
The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, addressed reporters on Friday, stating he was “praying for good news” and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family. “Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” he said. “We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious.”
Lily Hooper is described as being Caucasian, approximately 175cm tall, with a slim build, long blond hair, and blue eyes. The last confirmed sighting indicated she was wearing a shirt and shorts, though police acknowledge it is unclear what additional clothing or supplies she may have taken for her hike.
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have seen Hooper, possesses information regarding her current whereabouts, or hiked the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wednesday is urged to contact the Moss Vale police station at 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For more breaking news from the region, further updates will be provided as they become available.
