The search for a backpacker who disappeared over two years ago is set to continue following a significant breakthrough in the case.

Authorities believe the woman embarked on a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls but failed to return. Her abandoned white Honda CRV was discovered in a nearby parking area, sparking initial concerns about her whereabouts.

Over the weekend, a private search initiative was launched by the missing woman’s family and friends, with the cooperation and support of local police. This renewed effort bore fruit when her mobile phone was located in the Philosopher Falls region.

Police are now investigating the possibility that she may have become disoriented or lost while attempting to return to her vehicle. This discovery has provided a glimmer of hope and a new direction for the ongoing search efforts.

They found her mobile phone in the Philosopher Falls area yesterday.

Police are now looking into she may have got lost while on the way back to her car.

“The phone was found in an area that has been extensively searched previously and phone data, as well as the location it was found, supports our theory that Celine may have, using an app on her phone, elected to leave the Philosopher Falls track to take a more direct route back to her car as daylight faded,” Inspector Andrew Hanson said.

“We suspect she dropped her phone and continued without it, becoming disoriented in dense terrain.”

It’s the first sign of Cremer since she went missing, and Tasmania Police will now officially join the search. 

Hanson said search efforts were postponed today due to weather, but that authorities had a clear plan of attack.

“When the search recommences, we will work together with the independent searchers to specifically re-search the area where the phone was located and the likely route Celine may have taken after losing it,” he said.

Hanson said a police liaison officer had informed Cremer’s family in Belgium.