ADF joins search for 18-year-old bushwalker missing in national park

An extensive search operation is underway for 18-year-old Lilly Hooper, who has been missing since embarking on a solo hike in Nattai National Park on Wednesday. The Australian Defence Force has now joined local police, SES volunteers, and other ground crews in the effort to locate the experienced bushwalker.

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She did have her mobile phone with her, she actually messaged some family members during her hike. However, we've [been] unable to contact her on her mobile since that evening.

Ms. Hooper, from Oakdale, informed her family of her hiking plans before setting out. She was carrying a mobile phone and sent messages to family members during her hike. However, communication ceased that evening, and she failed to return home as expected, prompting her family to alert the authorities.

Police have expressed grave concerns for Ms. Hooper's well-being, given that she is overdue from her hike. Her vehicle was found at the trailhead of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, an area known for its rugged terrain and typically used by experienced hikers. While police believe this may have been her first time on this specific trail, this has not been confirmed.

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She is an experienced bushwalker. We have not been able to fully confirm what supplies Lily had with her at the time, but we are still hopeful that we will be able to locate her safe and sound.

The search, now entering its third day, is being directed by specialist Police Rescue coordinators. It involves deploying air assets, trail-bike riders, and ground crews across the challenging landscape. Authorities have stated there is currently no information to suggest foul play, and they remain hopeful of finding Ms. Hooper safe and sound.

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We don't have any information to suggest that this is anything other than an overdue hiker.