Search continues for missing 18-year-old bushwalker in NSW Southern Highlands

The search for an 18-year-old bushwalker missing in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales since Wednesday is continuing, with fresh teams arriving at the Nattai national park on Saturday morning.

Lily Hooper left her home in Sydney’s south-west about 8am on 12 August, after telling family she was going for a hike in the national park, north-west of Mittagong.

The experienced hiker was reported missing when she did not return that evening and could not be reached, despite having sent messages from the park earlier in the day.

A search began with her car found parked on Wanganderry Road, near the start of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail at High Range, about 11pm that night.

On Saturday, NSW police said in a statement that initial inquiries indicated Hooper reached the summit of Bonnum Pic about mid-morning on Wednesday, but had made no further contact since then.

A multi-agency search – involving local police, regional Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service and members of Hooper’s family – has not found any further signs of the teen.

Defence force personnel joined the search on Friday, with drones, an ambulance helicopter and specialist rescuers, including trail-bike riders, also involved.

A NSW police spokesperson said the search continued overnight and fresh teams arrived at the park at 7am on Saturday.

On Friday, Det Insp Benjamin Bowles said authorities were concerned for Hooper’s safety.

But he said he remained optimistic, and that Hooper was an experienced hiker.

“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 said.

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

The NSW premier, Chris Minns, told reporters on Friday he was “praying for good news”.

“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” he said. “We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious.”

Hooper is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 175cm tall, slim, and with long blond hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts, but police said it was not known what clothing or supplies she took for the hike.

Police said anyone who may have seen Hooper, had information about her whereabouts or who walked the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wednesday, should contact Moss Vale police station on 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.