Full Breakdown
Missing Teen Hiker Lily Hooper Remains Unfound in Nattai National Park
8/15/2026, 6:28:00 AM
Core Event: Multi-Agency Search for an 18-Year-Old Bushwalker
On August 12, 18-year-old Lily Hooper left her home in Oakdale, Sydney’s south-west, at about 8 a.m. after telling family she would hike in Nattai National Park, north-west of Mittagong. She was in phone contact through the morning, but communications stopped later that day. When she failed to return by 10 p.m., police were alerted. Her car was located at the trailhead on Wanganderry Road near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail at approximately 11 p.m. Police believe she reached the summit of Bonnum Pic by mid-morning but have found no further trace. A multi-agency operation—including NSW Police, Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service, defence personnel, drones, an ambulance helicopter and specialist trail-bike riders—has been searching the dense bushland continuously, with fresh teams arriving on Saturday morning.
Background & Context
Nattai National Park lies in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and features rugged terrain typically traversed by experienced bushwalkers. The Bonnum Pic trail climbs to a summit offering expansive views of the surrounding highlands. Hooper, described as a “keen and experienced hiker,” also trains in Muay Thai and mixed martial arts.
Data & Statistics
- Physical description: ~175 cm, slim, long blond hair, blue eyes
- Search duration: Entered its fourth day on August 15, 2026
- Agencies involved: NSW Police, Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service, Defence Force, NSW Police airwing (PolAir), Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Rescue Association, family volunteers
- Assets deployed: Helicopter, drones, trail-bike rescue teams, ground crews
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles, Hume Police District crime manager, said investigators have no evidence of foul play and emphasized Hooper’s experience. Premier Chris Minns expressed that his thoughts are with the family and confirmed that all available resources are being deployed. Hooper’s aunt, Sheridan Munro, posted that the family remains desperate for any news and praised the crews for working “around the clock.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re unaware at this stage of what exact supplies Lily had at the time, but she’s an experienced hiker, and we are still very hopeful that she’ll be found well,” — Det Insp Benjamin Bowles
- “Unfortunately and sadly, Lily still hasn’t been located at this stage,” — Sheridan Munro
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Supplies and clothing: Police have not confirmed what clothing or supplies Hooper carried; she was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts.
- Foul play: Authorities state there is no information suggesting foul play, but the lack of confirmed supplies leaves a gap in understanding the circumstances of her disappearance.
What’s Next
Police will provide an update on Saturday afternoon and urge anyone who was on the Bonnum Pic trail on Wednesday or who may have seen Hooper to contact Moss Vale Police Station (02 4869 7899) or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).
