Lily Hooper disappearance mystery
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Lily Hooper, 18, vanished during a solo hike in Nattai National Park and was found after.
The case highlights risks of solo bushwalking and the scale of multi-agency rescue efforts.
Background
Lily Hooper, an experienced bushwalker, left her home in Oakdale, southwest Sydney, at 8am on Wednesday to hike in Nattai National Park. She sent messages from the park earlier that day but did not return, prompting a multi-agency search involving over 200 volunteers. Her car was found parked near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, and police believe she reached the summit before losing contact.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Lily Hooper left home at 8am for a hike in Nattai National Park and was reported missing after failing to return.
- Aug 14, 2026Her car was found abandoned near the Bonnum Pic trail, and a command post was established.
- Aug 15, 2026Search entered third day; NSW Premier expressed hope for good news.
- Aug 18, 2026Family issued a plea; police confirmed no trace of her or belongings found.
- Aug 20, 2026Lily Hooper was found alive after eight days.
Who’s saying what
- Police
- Police believe the incident is hiking-related and have focused search efforts on the national park.
- Family
- The family is devastated and has pleaded for any information, expressing hope for her safe return.
- Expert
- Hiking experts highlight the dangers of bushwalking alone, including getting lost or injured in remote terrain.
Still unverified
A local bushwalker claimed to have stopped visiting the park due to 'unusual people', but this is anecdotal and not confirmed by authorities.