The family of Lily Hooper, an 18-year-old hiker, is appealing for information as a large-scale search continues in New South Wales' Southern Highlands. Hooper was last seen on Wednesday morning when she left her parents' home in Oakdale to go hiking. Her vehicle was discovered by Hume District police near the Bonnum Pic walking trail in Nattai National Park.
The discovery has prompted a coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies, including NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service (SES), and the Lifesaver 21 rescue helicopter. The army has also joined the effort. Family members have expressed their distress, with Lily's uncle, Trent Brideson, stating they have received no new information and her parents are finding the situation difficult to cope with.
Lily Hooper is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, with a slim build, long blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was reportedly wearing a shirt and shorts when she was last seen.
Nattai National Park, located southwest of Sydney, is known for its challenging trails, including the 17km Bonnum Pic track which involves both on- and off-track routes, dense bushland, and rock scrambling.
Hooper, who turned 18 in December, is a recent graduate of Campbelltown Performing Arts High School. Her family describes her as fit and active, noting she had recently returned from a Muay Thai martial arts training camp in Thailand.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been on the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wednesday or who has any information regarding Lily Hooper's whereabouts to contact Southern Highlands Police Station or Crime Stoppers.