A search is continuing in the Southern Highlands for a bushwalker missing since Wednesday.
18-year-old Lily Hooper left her home in Sydney's south-west about 8am Wednesday (12 August 2026), to hike in the Nattai National Park about 60km north-west of Mittagong.
When she hadn't returned by 10pm she was reported missing and inquiries to locate her began immediately by officers attached to The Hume Police District.
About 11pm, Lily's car was found parked on Wanganderry Road, near the start of the Bunnum Pic Walking Trail at High Range, and a command post was established.
Initial inquiries indicate Lily reached the summit of Bunnum Pic about mid-morning; however, there's been no further contact since that time.
Local police were joined at the scene by regional Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, SES and members of Lily's family, and a search utilising drones and the Ambulance helicopter commenced.
The multi-agency search has been ongoing with additional support from the NSW Police airwing, PolAir, RFS and VRA members but there's been no sign of the missing woman.
The search continued overnight and will continue with fresh teams from 7am today (Saturday 15 August 2026).
Lily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of slim build, and long blonde hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing a shirt and shorts but it's not known what clothing or supplies she took for the hike. Police have been told she is an experienced hiker.
Anyone who may have seen Lily or has information about her whereabouts, or who walked the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail on Wednesday, is urged to contact Moss Vale Police Station 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
