Coroner Blames 'Confluence of Errors' in Belgian Tourist's Tasmanian Death

A confluence of errors, including inadequate preparation and fading daylight, led to the accidental death of Belgian tourist Celine Cremer in the Tasmanian wilderness in June 2023, according to coroner findings published on Friday.

Coroner Madeleine Wilson ruled that the 31-year-old died between June 17 and June 21, 2023, after straying from a walking track at Philosopher Falls in Tasmania's remote north-west. Cremer was reported missing nearly 10 days after setting off on the walk. While initial police operations yielded no trace of her, a private search team organized by family and friends discovered her remains near the Arthur River in January 2026.

According to the findings, Cremer set out toward Magnet Dam after visiting the Philosopher Falls lookout. The track was poorly defined, causing her to wander off course late in the afternoon, four days before the winter solstice. Recovered mobile phone data indicated that Cremer took photos and videos between 2:21 p.m. and 2:42 p.m., and last used Google Maps at 4:18 p.m.

The coroner concluded that Cremer likely became lost around 3:49 p.m. and subsequently dropped her mobile phone—her sole means of communication—in the late afternoon. Search volunteers located the phone in December 2025. Without her device, Cremer became disoriented and accidentally altered her direction. Wilson noted it was impossible to determine her exact path to the river, but suggested she may have slipped, fallen, or unsuccessfully tried to cross the water.

Environmental conditions significantly diminished Cremer's chances of survival. Overnight temperatures in the area approached freezing, and Cremer lacked waterproof attire or adequate clothing for the extreme conditions. She had been traveling in Australia on a working holiday since 2022 and was scheduled to return to the mainland four days after her walk.

Addressing the search efforts, Wilson determined that the Tasmania Police response was appropriate and executed using standard methodologies. Initial search operations were hampered by severe weather and high water levels in the Arthur River, which were significantly higher in 2023 than when her body was found. Following the recovery, Tasmania Police committed to reviewing protocols regarding the involvement of private search groups in missing person investigations. Wilson commended the efforts of the volunteers and private searchers who ultimately located Cremer.

The coroner emphasized that Cremer failed to adhere to basic safety precautions, such as carrying proper equipment and informing others of her itinerary. Wilson urged all bushwalkers to familiarize themselves with standard safety recommendations before entering the Tasmanian wilderness, highlighting that mobile phone reception is often absent or unreliable in remote areas.

Additionally, Wilson recommended that the local council install advisory signs at the Philosopher Falls track entrance, explicitly stating that the route is not maintained for recreational use and features degraded, uneven, and potentially hazardous terrain.