(Author’s Note: this article is a work-in-progress)

[A]  Initial introduction to another Blue Mountains outdoor tragedy

Not another one!  Our Blue Mountains World Heritage Area in Australia has yet again tragically lost another hiker in our midst.

One Lily Hooper (18) or was it (19) of nearby Oakdale (a regional village in the Wollondilly Shire SW of Greater Sydney) just yesterday after her previously being reported missing on a hike immediately by her family.  Media copy-paste each others’online accounts as being factual, so none who do so are true journalists; just social media leeches.

Yet Lily’s body was discovered in the Blue Mountains Nattai National Park by Search and Rescue teams over a week (8 days since day hiking on Wednesday 12th August 2026) later in dense scrub on Thursday 20th August 2026, inaccessible by emergency helicopter retrieval.

This human tragic loss is so very sad.  Any human tragic loss is very sad, particularly one that could have been preventable, and one that involves a very young person.

We highlight the chronic recurring episodes of outdoor recreational pursuits that end in tragedy.  Why can’t our Blue Mountains outdoor recreational activities in this, our celebrated world heritage area, live the hope of becoming renowned for being the safest wild place to experience the great outdoors?

Why should we be content with the legacy premise that Outdoor Recreation has inherent risks and that participants are presumed to just accept this that it goes hand-in-hand with the quest for fun and adventure?

This is 2026 and we are surely better than such yesteryear fatalist mindsets.  But not it seems obvious responsible leadership by those in charge who get paid without accountabilty.  We are better than that mindset these days.

The Blue Mountains Outdoor Recreation tragic scorecard – time and time again!

We recommend, all outdoor recreation participants read Christopher Webber’s non-fiction instructive book, ‘Mountains Mishaps…‘.  We continue to do so ourselves and have purchased both his first and second edition.  Christopher is a Blue Mountains local and he has garnered decades of experience and knowledge in Search and Rescue volunteering, such to share the losses and the lessons with all others.

Despite our experience and training in a variety of ‘outdoorsie’ skills, we respect Nature and know our frailties sufficient to know we are as vulnerable as the next person.  We are not 22 years old and at peak health and fitness when training in the Infantry, like 30km overnight route marches with kit.

Our Credentials

 

Concerning this latest tragedy in Nattai National Park, we have only garnered the initial story of what has happened from various media reports since the day after the search discovery of Lily, plus subsequently over the days since.

We are not Search and Rescue experienced nor intend to be, unless commercial trained and commercially paid.  Government rorts the unpaid selflessness of dedicated community volunteers, yet manages to find spare taxpayer billions for its own political ends.

Frankly, we don’t monitor the media and so early reports of missing adventurers don’t feature.  That means that our knowledge of Lily’s ‘missing hiker’ status from 12th August 2026 was not know to us, despite being in our Blue Mountains region.  We also have long  not received the local Blue Mountains Gazette newspaper whihc used to be weekly thrown on our driveway or free, for more than 6 years!  So we’re oft in the dark about local and regional goings on.   Apparently now one has to pay a subscription, even locals.

The first we heard about Lily was the political aspect, which was not about Lily, but that’s the media for you – scandal focused.

Anyway, we shall continue to read the media reporting about Lily and update this article, as appropriate as we have done with other such events.

Over time, we shall contribute updates by way of our ‘Postscript‘ writing method.  We are not the normal media who tend to move on.  Instead, we take an interest in learning and sharing that learning so that we hope other lives can be safe in the great outdoors.  This is one example of ours:

Missing Gary Tweddle Book Part 1 – FRONT COVER

This is another example of ours:

 

Heat Stroke Death down Lockley Track in full summer western sun

Back to Lily…

We have no association nor knowledge of poor Lily.  Those media reports so far are coming in are quite sketchy, apparently factually incorrect, and NSW Police have even been implicated in false reporting.  WTF?

• The police reporting got it wrong?
• The media reporting also got it wrong?  It was not in the Southern Highlands dudes!

So we reclkon at this early stage that something’s fishy (aka substandard) about what’s happened to Lily and about the search, rescue and reporting process.  How in 2026 after a 150 years of Search and Rescue in the Blue Mountains since 1936 and Paddy Pallin’s fraternal bushwalker S&R initative of vitally assisting Police Rescue in remote-area rescue, can miscommunication still perpetuate?

The facts of Lily’s circumstances are yet to emerge it seems.

• What was her situation for her day hiking trip of the 12th August 2026?
• What was her scenario (plan/intention/predicaments/distractions perhaps)?
• Did she become benighted?
• Did Lily then become lost/disorientated?
• Did Lily slip/fall?
• Was Lily medically ill or traumatised?
• Was there foul play?
• Some other contributing factor(s) for her demise?
• Why hiking solo?

 

This is all conjecture for the public domain.  We simply don’t know yet of the why and how and the police reporting and media reporting are still vague to the public discourse as we write. 

We hope the family at least has been informed by the rescue co-ordination (Blue Mountains Police Rescue leadership).

At this time of writing it is very early days, so we don’t yet know what happened to Lily or why.  Questions and answers are morally due first to her family.  Yet eventually, we the public, the outdoor recreation fraternity do deserve and await appropriate updates of the facts subject to the family’s consent.  The media’s proverbial “a report will be prepared for the coroner” regurgitated spiel is but systemic highfalutin bureaucratic crap sure to deliver public zilch.

So more Lily’s again and again and over and over?  Is that the governmental message?  Like governmental custodianship and responsibility doesn’t give a tuppeny fxxk?

Just more training for Police Rescue?

Next!

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar and SES Commander Colin Malone provided a media update on Thursday afternoon after a body believed to be hiker Lily Hooper was located near a ridgetop summit of Bonnum Pic in the Nattai National Park.

 

…the 18-year-old left her home on Wednesday 12th August 2026 for a dedicated day hike.  

Apparently, regular contact from Lily to her family later that day into the night was lost.  Her family logically initated an emergency concern call out to emergency police rescue.  (Blue Mountains Police Rescue?)

Lily’s car was then found by ‘searchers’ at the regular starting car park of the Bonnum Pic Hiking Trail.  The search for Lily commenced from that location with an almost 400-person search for her – mostly unpaid volunteers, no doubt. 

The initial police media release is here from Thursday 20th August 2026.  This was that 20 minute video of the press conference by NSW Police to the media.  It was taken in early days from the search and rescue for Lily…

 

Given communications problems we suspect that this video may well soon be deleted from current transparent public access by NSW Police for perceived legal reasons.  Whatever.

We’ll soon get to regurgitate the media initial reporting, but what smells in this case is that according to the media, the NSW Police initially mislead Lily’s family about notifying them that they had found her, instead of in fact finding her dead body.  Police then soon corrected their mistake, but that’s was shameful.

So what happened to Lily?  It seemed to have been just a day trip hike and in good weather.

---

[B]  Media Reporting (thus far):

[Author’s Note: For the benefit of readers we regurgitate the media reporting by identifying each media article below by an article number ID.  This article was initially drafted the day after the news of the finding of Lily Hopper’s body being Thursday 20th August 2026.  The drafting and updates continue thus far as information is publically reported].

ARTICLE #1: What Happened To Lily Hooper? Everything We Know About The Tragic Search For The Teen.

Our hearts go out to the family.

2026-08-21, by Writer Caitlin Napier, Marie Claire, ^https://www.marieclaire.com.au/news/lily-hooper-bushwalker-body-found/

 

What Happened To Lily Hooper? Everything We Know About The Tragic Search For The Teen

‘Eight days ago, 18-year-old Lily Hooper was reported missing after telling her family she was going hiking at Nattai National Park. The experienced hiker left her Oakdale home in Sydney’s south-west at approximately 8am, intending to spend the day walking in the national park.

When she failed to return home by about 10pm, her family raised the alarm. Her disappearance prompted a major search operation involving hundreds of personnel, including 100 Australian Defence Force officers, PolAir, the dog unit, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Ambulance, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and 240 NSW SES volunteers.

[This Author’s note: try more like 1000 and not just SES, but “multi-agency” so including specialist NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue, plus the NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers, bushwalking volunteers, club hiking volunteers, etc. and presumably the search effort co-ordinated by NSW Police Rescue].

Search crews spent eight days scouring the challenging terrain, with the walking trail reportedly following a sandstone ridgeline through dense shrubbery. The track has been described as challenging and strenuous and is recommended for experienced hikers.

Detective Inspector Benjamin Carey said Lily was familiar with difficult bushwalks. “She does regularly engage in bushwalks, some quite challenging and it is one of her favourite recreational pastimes,” he said.

But today, the search ended in tragedy, with the body of a woman believed to be Lily Hooper found in bushland in the NSW Southern Highlands. NSW Police confirmed the body was discovered by an SES searcher in “thick dense terrain” at about 11:30am.

While formal identification is yet to take place, police believe it is sadly that of the 18-year-old.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar said there was sadly an “eight-to 10-minute” period when the family believed Lily had been found alive.  “Unfortunately, it did take that small period of time for us to give them an update,” he said. NSW Premier Chris Minns was incorrectly advised that Ms Hooper had been found alive before receiving confirmation that a body had been located.

He initially told a televised parliamentary hearing: “Lily Hooper has been found alive. Found in the bush with half a bottle of water with her.”   Mr Minns later retracted the statement following the miscommunication.

“I’ve got some terrible news,” he said.  “I apologise to the committee, but it seems as if the early advice was wrong.” In a later statement, Mr Minns said he “genuinely believed” he was “sharing good news” and apologised for potentially adding to the family’s heartbreak.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led a moment of silence in federal parliament, with Mr Albanese describing Lily Hooper’s death as “an unspeakable tragedy”.

Lily’s parents, Jim and Kirrily, had been stationed at the search command point since she went missing.’

ARTICLE #2:  ‘From ‘elation’ to ‘terrible news’ in 10 minutes: how the confusion over missing bushwalker Lily Hooper unfolded’

Thursday 20 Aug 2026, by Luca Ittimani, The Guardian media, ^https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/20/lily-hooper-missing-hiker-found-dead-nsw-national-park

Police have “blamed” dense bushland and radio confusion for wrongly reporting to 18-year-old Lily Hooper’s parents, the New South Wales premier and the media that the missing bushwalker had been found alive.

[Author correction:  NO!  The Nattai National Park is within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, not within the Southern Highlands region, but adjacent to the north].

‘Lily had last been seen on 12th August 2026 after leaving home (Oakdale) for a hike in the rugged bushland of Nattai national park, 90km south-west of Sydney. She was reported missing that night, triggering a multi-agency search involving nearly 1,000 people, including hundreds of volunteers.

Eight days later, on Thursday morning, police media told reporters a “hiker” had been found.

At around midday, the premier, Chris Minns, was handed a piece of paper while addressing a parliamentary committee. He asked if it was accurate, to which the secretary of the cabinet office, Kate Boyd, said: “Yes.”

The premier, reading the paper, said he had “fantastic news” that Hooper was “found in the bush with half a bottle of water with her”.

His remarks were published across media outlets. Less than 30 minutes later, Minns told the committee: “I’ve got some terrible news. I apologise … Lily’s body has been found.”
Minns had not realised his own initial statement may have contained a clue to the error.

On Friday morning, the SES commissioner, Mike Wassing, suggested the “half a bottle of water” phrase may have been a code used by search crews to convey sensitive information without alerting others potentially listening to official radio transmissions.

“It’s very common that code words are given to search and rescue crews,” Wassing told ABC radio. “My understanding is that that’s what has occurred in this situation.”

SES search volunteers had told police they believed they had found Hooper alive at 11.30am, the police assistant commissioner Joseph Cassar told reporters in Moss Vale on Thursday afternoon.

Recounting the sequence of communication, he said officers soon shared that message with Hooper’s parents, who had spent a “great deal” of time at the search command post near the head of the Bonnum Pic walking trail, where the teenager’s car had been found.

Vehicles drive along road near NSW national park where Lily Hooper’s body was discovered
Cassar said the hundreds of searchers, carrying handheld radios, faced communication challenges in the “thick, dense terrain”. They had “clear instructions” to report when they found anything, even an item of clothing, he said.

The SES assistant commissioner Colin Malone said the SES volunteers were from the “highly trained” bush search and rescue team.

“It’s very rugged and rough terrain up there and radio communication, like mobile phone communication, as we all experience, when you’re in black spots or tricky areas, the information does get broken up a little bit,” Malone said.

Wassing said on Friday this, plus confusion over any code, was likely a factor.

“We’re working through with police in terms of [the explanation],” he said. “[Was it] actually the aspects of the codes? Or is it the fact that [it was] really difficult terrain, some of the communication was very patchy as well, and so that may have also contributed.”

Within 10 minutes of the first message, the same SES volunteers made a second “more accurate” report, Cassar said. He said they would probably have been “very close” to Hooper’s body.

By then, the incorrect message had already begun to circulate publicly.

The police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, told reporters on Thursday afternoon that police had hurried to share the initial report after searching for Hooper for eight days.

“We sought to communicate, obviously, with the family and the media at the first opportunity,” Lanyon said.  “Elation,” he said, soon turned to “deflation – and obviously we know now, an impact on her family”.

“[I] apologise for any additional trauma that may have caused Lily’s family, but certainly for the embarrassment and confusion that caused.”

Minns later said in a statement that he received incorrect advice and “genuinely believed” he was sharing good news.

“My deepest condolences are with Lily’s family,” the premier said. “I am profoundly sorry to think that anything I said may have added to their heartbreak at an already devastating time.”

Angus Taylor, the opposition leader, had reportedly published and then deleted a social media post indicating she had been found alive. He addressed the miscommunication while paying tribute to Hooper in parliament.

“Initial reports that she had been found alive proved to be wrong and that makes the blow even worse,” Taylor said.

Lanyon said police would have reported the finding to the office of the police minister, Yasmin Catley, and then to the premier’s office.

“I can’t explain why it was so quick but what I can say to you is this search has been high profile,” he said.

Lanyon said he had called Minns to apologise for the “misinformation” he had received.
Asked on Friday who had been in contact with his office, the premier said he wouldn’t single out an individual.

“Ultimately, this is my responsibility and Mal’s responsibility, and we’re going to fix it,” he said.

Minns’ reference to a water bottle prompted speculation that search crews had used a code word in their initial report.

Asked how the “water bottle” phrase had been referenced, Cassar said on Thursday: “I can’t tell you because I don’t know exactly what was said.”

Lanyon said he could not explain the reference but communications would be reviewed and improved.

“This is not a circumstance I would like to see repeated,” Lanyon said.  “We will look at the relationship between police and the SES and we’ll work with other agencies to make sure communication failures don’t occur.”

The public breakdown in communications came a week after NSW police separately reported finding a “body” inside a suitcase which was determined the next day to have been a sex doll.

Lanyon denied the two incidents would impact public perceptions or trust in police.

“The police took exactly the right precautions [when] what we now know was a doll was found in a suitcase,” he said.  “I accept later on it was [determined] not a body, but I think the community would expect the police to treat crime scenes seriously and preserve evidence, and that’s what was done.”

ARTICLE #3:  ‘Body believed to be missing hiker Lily Hooper found in NSW Southern Highlands after eight-day search’ 

Thursday, 20 August 2026, ABC Illawarra, ^https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-20/missing-18-year-old-bushwalker-lily-hooper-found/107045898

In short: 

The body of a woman believed to be missing bushwalker Lily Hooper has been found in bushland in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The NSW premier has apologised for initially telling parliament the 18-year-old had been found alive, before confirming the “terrible news”.

What’s next?

A report will be prepared for the coroner.  [Author’s note: This media cliché means nothing]

NSW Police have apologised “unreservedly” after the family of missing bushwalker Lily Hooper were told she had been found alive after an eight-day search in the NSW Southern Highlands.

A body believed to be that of Ms Hooper was located in bushland about 11:30am today.

Police said that while the body was yet to be formally identified, it was believed to be that of the missing 18-year-old.

Ms Hooper left her home south-west of Sydney on the morning of Wednesday, August 12, to go hiking in the Nattai National Park.

Her car was later found near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, sparking a large-scale multi-agency search involving almost 100 Australian Defence Force personnel and 280 NSW SES volunteers.

[Search and Rescue] Crews scoured steep drops, dense undergrowth and complex cliff lines.  NSW Police used a thermal-imaging helicopter and examined telecommunications data in an effort to trace Ms Hooper’s last movements.

Ms Hooper’s family have been stationed at the search command point since she went missing.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the next step was for police to recover the body.

“We attempted to use a helicopter to retrieve her body. Due to the nature of the terrain, the canopy, we weren’t able to do that,” he said. “So we’ll now work through a process, whether it’s manual or on foot, to retrieve her body … to bring her back to be with her family and go through the investigative process.”

Family believed she was alive for up to 10 minutes

How missing hiker Lily Hooper was mistakenly reported alive.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar this afternoon said the body was found by an SES searcher in “thick dense terrain” and that there was an “eight- to 10-minute” period when Ms Hooper’s family believed she was found alive.

Cassar:

“Unfortunately, it did take that small period of time for us to give them an update.  I can tell you the police that were in charge at the time that spoke to Lily’s mum and dad certainly hoped for a more positive outcome.  If we were able to provide them more detailed information on that first report, I can tell you that would have been the case.”

Commissioner Lanyon;

Commissioner Lanyon said he “unreservedly” apologised for the “miscommunication” and “any additional trauma” to Ms Hooper’s family…

“The miscommunication obviously was born out of elation that Lily had been found, and her condition at that time was such that searchers were relieved.  Tragically that miscommunication then led to a deflation and obviously we know now, an impact on her family.”  Commissioner Lanyon said it was a “tragic day”.  Our focus had been clear, find Lily and bring her safely back to her family,” he said.  Sadly, that has not been the case.”

 

He said just shy of 1,000 searchers helped look for Ms Hooper and communications “may have passed through a number of hands” given the location where Ms Hooper was found was remote.

“I think it’s appropriate we review the matter … we’ll look at the communication obviously with a view to improving that.”

Assistant Commissioner Cassar denied suggestions police had “jumped the gun” as far as providing information to the family was concerned.

“It’s an eight-day coordinated search, we’re talking about hundreds of volunteer people that are trained in searching, we’re talking about think dense terrain, we’re talking about processes that we’ve adopted to engage family members to keep them informed throughout every step of the way,” he said.

“So when we talk about a very short window in information being provided, no I don’t believe we’ve jumped the gun.”

NSW Police were joined by numerous other agencies during the eight-day search for Ms Hooper. (Billy Cooper: ABC News.)

When pushed by reporters, Assistant Commissioner Cassar said: “If i could turn the clock back I certainly would.

“I can’t provide a comment in regards to that because I don’t know the exact wording of what was said [to her family].”

Assistant Commissioner Cassar praised the multi-agency team who helped look for Ms Hooper.

SES volunteers at the command post from where the search for Ms Hooper was coordinated. (Billy Cooper: ABC News.)

“I think the all the searchers involved in this operation have done an exceptional job coming together,” he said.

“This is not the outcome that we’d hoped but my sincere appreciation goes out to every one of the searchers that were involved.

“They’re putting themselves in harm’s way and they don’t even give two thoughts of it.”

Minns gives ‘terrible news’

Chris Minns apologises after incorrectly relaying Lily Hooper’s condition.

NSW Premier Chris Minns was informed during budget estimates that Ms Hooper had been found, initially saying that she was alive.

This was widely reported by Australian media, including the ABC.

The premier later told a parliamentary hearing that a body had been found.

“I’ve got some terrible news,” Mr Minns said.

“I apologise to the committee, but it seems as if the early advice was wrong.

“Lily’s body’s been found and she’s been found deceased.

“I only raise that because I made the earlier advice and I’m very sorry for that.

“This is obviously devastating and I’m just profoundly sad for her family and all those concerned.

“And I apologise to the committee. This is terrible news.”

In a later statement, he said he “genuinely believed” he was “sharing good news”.

“I am profoundly sorry to think that anything I may have said may have added to their [Ms Hooper’s family] heartbreak at an already devastating time.”

Commissioner Lanyon said the information went through policing commands to the police minister and up to the premier’s office, and had been reported widely.

“It was something that was inadvertent, but as I said, was born out of looking to find Lily and bring her back to her family.”

He said he did not know what exactly was said to Ms Hooper’s parents at the time, “but obviously her condition when she was located, initial information … that was communicated was that she was alive”.

The commissioner said he called Mr Minns to apologise for the information the premier received.

Federal leaders pay tribute

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor today led a moment of silence in federal parliament after expressing their condolences to Ms Hooper’s family.

Mr Taylor said Ms Hooper was from his electorate and her love of bushwalking “only compounds the tragedy of her death”.

“Any parent who reads this news will hug their children tighter tonight,” he said.
Mr Albanese described her passing as “an unspeakable tragedy”.

“Lily Hooper had so much more to offer the world,” he said.

“Her passing, I have no doubt, will be felt very deeply across Southern Highlands, among her family, her friends, and indeed right across the nation.”

Wollondilly shire mayor Matt Gould wrote on social media that he was “absolutely heartbroken” for Lily and thanked all the people who searched for her.

“For eight days our community held onto hope together,” he wrote.

“We watched every update, thought constantly of Lily and her family, and desperately wanted this beautiful young woman to be found safe.”

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said in a statement the news of Ms Hooper’s death was “devastating”.

“So many people had been hoping for Lily’s safe return and today’s news will be difficult and deeply felt,” she said.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.’

ARTICLE #4:  ‘Family of lost hiker Lily Hooper urge ‘Lily’s Law’ after tragic death’

 

August 24, 2026, by Joanne Williamson and Andrew Hedgman, News Corp, ^https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/she-wanted-to-be-famous-heartbroken-father-of-lily-hooper-asks-for-tribute/news-story/1d22a28e494f6f4cc386f459caafffdc

 

‘Lily Hooper’s loved ones want her death to leave a meaningful legacy, with the family urging better education around bush safety and wider use of personal locator and tracking devices for young hikers.

At the same time, they are continuing their call for an official tribute to commemorate the 18-year-old.

The teenager headed into Nattai National Park on August 12 on a solo walk and did not return.  Her body was located on Thursday in remote bushland in the park’s southwest Sydney region, bringing a major search operation involving police, army personnel, SES crews and other rescuers to a heartbreaking end.

 

Lily Hooper, 19, went missing in the remote Southern Highland wilderness while on a solo hike. Picture: Supplied  [Author’s Note: aged 19 or 18, media?  Get it right dudes!]

Hiker Lily Hooper’s body was found in the Nattai National Park on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

Her parents, Jim and Kirrily Hooper, hope “Lily’s Law” can become a lasting campaign centred on helping others better prepare before going into the bush.

“We think it’d be good if there was a legacy that was left like a Skye’s Law, Jack’s Law … Lily’s Law,” Mr Hooper told 7News. “And that’s about the awareness of going out in the bush with EPIRBs, tracker devices, Garmin, Navman type devices.”

After retracing the route Ms Hooper took, Mr Hooper believes she may have become lost after conditions changed late in the day.

“It’s a hectic track, I was surprised she took it on. I think it was on dark and she got disorientated and she headed in a direction that she didn’t walk in on,” he said.  “Like I said the bush can swallow you up.”

Lily Hooper’s father Jim has paid tribute to his teenage daughter whose body was found on Thursday August 20 after she went missing while on a solo hike. Picture: Channel 7

He said he had previously tried to discuss bush safety with his daughter, but like many teenagers, she was confident in her abilities.  “I locked horns with her about this sort of stuff which saddens me in a lot of ways because there was a lot of you know ‘what do you know dad’ stuff and you know kids think they know better,” Mr Hooper said.

Although they are grieving an unbearable loss, the family has taken some comfort from having Ms Hooper back.

“Out of the three scenarios of getting her back alive, getting her back (deceased) and then not getting her back we got the middle one,” Mr Hooper said.  “Not ideal but at least we got her back.”

The family of hiker Lily Hooper, whose body was found in Nattai National Park on Thursday August 20, have paid tribute to her. Picture: Channel 7

The family is also pleading with Premier Chris Minns to honour Ms Hooper, who worked as a tour guide at BridgeClimb, by flying the flag at half-mast.

“If Chris Minns could organise probably to get the flag put at half-mast for her,” Mr Hooper told 7News.

“Oh, just as a tribute to Lily. You know, like I say, she’s an advocate for young women.”

The family now says other young people can learn from Lily.

“She will leave a legacy, I hope, for girls, young girls, you know, to get out and about and enjoy life like she did.”.

Lily’s family is planning a big farewell off for the girl who threw everything at life.

“She wanted to be famous as a movie star. She became famous, not for the right reason, but yeah, so she got that wish,” Me Hooper said.

He said the family was not angry over the heartbreaking communication breakdown following the discovery of her body.

Coded messages between emergency agencies led to Ms Hooper’s family believing for eight minutes that she had been found alive.

The miscommunication widely spread, even reaching NSW Premier Chris Minns, who announced it to parliament.

But elation soon turned to deflation after the code was relayed and it was made clear Ms Hooper had died.

“No, not at all. I’m not in any way angry at the police or the police commissioner or the Premier,” he told 7News.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Mr Minns have since apologised for the miscommunication.

The search for missing 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper who went missing in the remote Southern Highland wilderness. Picture: NSW SES

The search for missing teenager Lily Hooper, who has now been missing for 8 days, continues in the Nattai National Park. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Mr Hooper said he was grateful for the lengths that rescue parties, including NSW Police and volunteers from the SES, went to try and recover his daughter.

The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation and shattered the young woman’s local community.

“Beautiful Lily, may your soul rest peacefully … May your family find solace and comfort in knowing that you passed from this world doing what you loved to do and being with nature – you certainly touched the hearts of our Camden & Wollondilly communities,” one resident wrote on social media.

“Lily, you will always be remembered for the love and joy you brought to our community, your memory will live on in our hearts and minds,” another said.

Members of her community turned out to a candlelight vigil in Willis Park on Friday evening, barely 24 hours after learning of the devastating loss.

“A community coming together to support the Hooper family through this devastating time. Rest easy, fly high and shine bright Lily,” one commenter wrote on social media following the event.

The death of hiker Lily Hooper has led to an outpouring of grief in the community.

A community candlelight vigil was held on Friday to remember hiker Lily Hooper, who was found dead after a weeks long search. Picture: Facebook

A community candlelight vigil was held on Friday to remember hiker Lily Hooper, who was found dead after a weeks long search. Picture: Facebook

Ms Hooper’s alma mater Campbelltown Performing Arts High School shared a message to their community remembering the 18-year-old, who graduated less than 12 months ago.

More Coverage

‘Shine bright beautiful Lily’: 18yo mourned

‘Bottle of water’: Code word fail in Lily search

“Lily will be remembered by our school as a kind, humorous and respectful young woman who lit up every room with her infectious smile, positive energy and determination to live life to its fullest,” the school’s statement read.  “She was, and will always remain, a deeply valued member of our school community.  “May Lily’s light continue to live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.”

ARTICLE #5:  ‘Search continues for missing bushwalker – Southern Highlands’

 

Saturday, 2026-08-15, NSW Police website, ^https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news_article?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMTI2OTk2Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D

‘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.’

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[C]  Our Uninformed Presumptions: 

Ok, so our initial take is that this ridge top was apparently Lily’s trip target, and presumed to achieve a wild scenic vista out there and back.  The trail and destination are remote and situated as part of a wild and rugged natural forested area with no support facilities.

1. Trip Location:  Nattai National Park (Blue Mountains), NSW, Australia
2. Trail Title(s):   ‘Bonnum Pic Trail’ (a recognised one-way hiking trail)
3. Trip Research:  Prior reccie?  Group prior hike?  Unofficial social media reliance?  From where do budding hikers obtain their trip research?   All unknown.
4. Trip Plan (actual):  Day/Date/Duration: Wednesday 19 Aug 2026? – unknown to this author
5. Road Transport: (to hiking start/finish): Personal car from home (Oakdale to hike start (Wanganderry Rd Cattle Yards and gate?)
6. Hiking Route: chosen hike trail to Bonnum Pic (and backtrack), Nattai National Park
7. Hiking Duration:  (1 day trip – 7 hours according to some Internet sources). Timing of the trip start, time of last light, buffer time before last light (dusk)? It is 6pm in August.  There are no ‘civilisation’ lights in Nattai NP, so at night it is pitch black.
8. Hiking Grade/Navigation: Grade 5 = Difficult so experienced hikers only, involves bush-bashing off-track in parts, rock scrambling, even rock climbing, the trail route is vague, it is not maintained by NPWS so overgrown and so making hiking navigation problematic.
9. Safety Risks: a 562 metre (1843 foot) ascent/return descent, along an unfenced escarpment cliffline with high exposure hazard (to slip/fall), rough track mostly, trail maintained/overgrown? – unknown, route drinking water access at altitude likely little, benighted camping sites – unknown
10. Hiking Distance: approximately 17km (return by backtracking)
11. Hiking Group Factors: solo?, young female – other factors as yet unknown to this author.  A group requires at least two people interacting.  Solo hiking does not comprise the general definition of a ‘group’.
12. Group Hiking Experience: at age 18, presume she had a few years hiking experience, any prior/regular bushwalking club hiking experience is unknown to this author.  This author’s first hiking exerience was at age 14 – Cradle Mountain (Tassie) school group 3 days.  [Quote:  Police Detective Inspector Benjamin Carey said Lily was familiar with difficult bushwalks. “She does regularly engage in bushwalks, some quite challenging and it is one of her favourite recreational pastimes,” he said.]
13. Group Fitness: This trip did not involve a group. It was a personal hiking solo trip. Lily was aged 18 years and reportedly a regular hiker, so presumed ‘hiking fit’ (Author’s note: there are other types of fitness) and Lily was independently confident and competent in remote hiking.
14. Group Leader Preparation: unknown to this author.
15. Group Kits: Hiking attire (footwear/sun protection/thermals/rain gear/head torches)?, carried in drinking water?, carried in sustenance (food)?, hiking pack gear (tent/fly/sleeping bag)?, mobile reception?, navigation devices (topo map?, compass?, satnav?), benighted gear – all unknown to this author.
16. Trail Conditions: this trail has poor track clarity/no maintenance – so likely overgrown and navigation problematic), this current season is winter time, yet no rain, actual temperatures that day were relatively mild (over 24 hrs: between 13 and 22 Celsius, with a slight breeze).
17. Trip Contingency Backups: smart phone reception?, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?, trip notice details provided to authorities/next of kin?, emergency alternate access road ‘railing’ for emergency evacuation? – all such unknown at this time of writing.

Are government authorities over the years, since the UNESCO-inscribed celebrated World Heritage Area of Year 2000, actually improving their wisdom and abilities in dealing with outdoor recreation training and emergency responses throughout the Blue Mountains?

Obviously not.  Government continues to rely upon unpaid volunteers and the Army which is untrained in Search and Rescue skills, knowledge and experience.

Is it keeping pace with the tourism visitation marketing of the NSW Government’s ‘Destination NSW’ on the Blue Mountains – its reach, spending budget, investment, etc?

No!

Fact Checks:

“Destination NSW allocated $834,600 in regional funding for the Blue Mountains region under specific state funding tracking.

Blue Mountains Tourism & Visitor MetricsVisitor Numbers: 2.6 million visitors.

Visitor Nights: 2.9 million nights.

Total Expenditure: $1.2 billion generated for the local economy.Broader Regional Investments

Statewide Grants: The broader visitor economy has benefited from periodic NSW Government grant injections (such as $5.5 million statewide for marketing, product development, and business events).

Infrastructure Context: Beyond direct tourism marketing allocations, major regional capital works in the area include significant state commitments like the $7.7 million Leura Cascades upgrade and planning investments for the Blue Mountains Hospital.”

 

SOURCES:  ^https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/insights/regional-statistics/Regions/blue-mountains, ^https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/nsw-budget/2025-26-budget-papers/our-plan-for-western-sydney/budget-highlights-western-sydney-lga/blue-mountains

 

So,

• What about emergency prevention strategies?
• What about learned knowledge from the many past tragedies?
• Why a multi-agency Search and Rescue response yet again by mostly unpaid volunteers?
• What about sharing that knowledge of known risks with hikers and trekkers?
• What about cracking down on the “fun” social media promoting taking on difficult graded trails, and foolishly hiking solo?
• Government care factor?  QUESTION: Where is the nearest NPWS office to Bunnum Pic in Nattai National Park by public road?  ANSWER: Parramatta (148km), or Katoomba (200km) or Blackheath (211km).

Lily was hiking in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and one presumes that at least this was a fact of her trip.  Yet, there remain many questions that deserve answers for not just her family and friends, but for fellow hikers and trekkers so they may learn and avert repeating a similar tragedy.  From one’s experience, truly human nature from loved ones conceding such loss is to ultimately message that such does not happen to anyone else.   A Sarah Fraser precept?

“When things go wrong in the bush, I think one of the most valuable things we can do is learn as much as we can about what happened, to try and prevent it from happening again. 

In the past, there’s been a well researched Australian online accident register, with balanced reports and links to coroners findings. However, due to the time and resources needed to put it together, it’s sadly no longer available.”

~ SOURCE: Caro Ryan OAM,  (A Search Manager serving the NSW SES Bush Search & Rescue), Rescue from the K2K Kanangra to Katoomba route | Read More

Indeed within a day of the reported discovery, the media are probing, like for starters was Lily in fact hiking solo and if so, why not with an experienced hiking group?

There are no rules or standards in public access to remote areas.  There is no encouragement of those participating in Outdoor Recreation activities to be trained to deal with the demands and risks.

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Our Analysis:

We clause ‘our analysis’ of what might of happened herein with the following caveats:

[i]  It is rare that a coronial enquiry is made public

 

Outdoor Recreation tragedies such as those reported missing, lost, injured or worst scenario dead, typically attract media attention.  Police Rescue, searchers, rescuers and paramedics naturally get involved.

Yet from our research, it tends to be only when a death occurs that is there a coronial enquiry into what happened – such as investigating the cause of death, the circumstances and contributing factors.

Only if the death is considered by police to be suspicious is there ever then an escalation from a coronial enquiry to a coronial inquest.  Such an inquest is not automatic standard procedure for such to be made public, but usually only to communicate the findings to the immediate family in confidence.

Actually, there was one prominent coronial inquest into the death of one hiker in the Blue Mountains that did become very public.  It concerned that of the hiking death of school teenager David Iredale (17) back in 2009.  In 2026, this being 17 years ago so when Lily was aged just one years old.  We refer to this tragic event at the end of this article in our References and Further Information section (references #11, #12).  As a community in the fun that is ‘outdoor recreation’ are we learning?

Yet typically when the media states their clichéd closing line on a news report of such an outdoor recreation tragedy thus…

“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”  ?????

…such reporting is not made public, nor the coroner’s report.  This phrase is empty and meaningless.  So then we ask what is the point of this media one-liner?  It is template copy-paste ‘numbnut’ reporting by Internet wannabe journo interns.

It is for this reason that we choose to offer some analytical insight for the benefit of the family, friends, the hiking/trekking franternity, tour operators, rescuers, locals and the general public.  So don’t expect any outcome.

[ii]   Recurring Tragedies

We undertake this analysis because no-one else is.

We do so due to our involvement in outdoor recreation in the Blue Mountains where we live and yet of our ongoing frustration and sadness of learning about tragedies occurring in this outdoor recreational pursuit around us.  We seek to send a community message that what keeps happening is unacceptable.

We are mindful of and respect the sensitive family nature of what has tragically happened to a loved one.   We wish it not to happen to anyone else.

[iii]  Mostly Desktop Research in this case

 

We don’t know the victim and we know little of the event, trail or area, although we have some limited hiking experience with Nattai National Park’s terrain.  It’s remote and rugged.

The Nattai National Park is forested rugged wilderness and has its own characteristics and peculiarities.  Yet wise planning and safety principles of outdoor recreation such as day hiking apply irrespectively.  We don’t need to travel to Bunnum Pic per se to assess the causation factors of this day hiking tragedy.   What would be more useful is the police and coroners reports being made public, else why not?  Something to hide?  PLB’s used to be free, convenient and simple to hire for instance NPWS!

[iv]  The generic benefit and wisdom of Analysis

 

We have an unpaid career interest in Outdoor Recreation including Tour Operating, now benevolent due to government unaffordable red tape imposts.   We also have varied academic qualifications and a lifetime career experience in the Analysis profession.

This website is a benevolent venture and one does not seek, nor accept, any financial gain.  All content herein this article (and this website) is subjective, so readers can take it or leave it, and indeed start up their own alternative blog if they hold differing views; indeed, more the merrier!

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[D]  So What Happened to Lily?

[D1]  It is early days, and we still don’t yet know.  Reportedly the search crew found Lily deceased in dense bushland eight days after her family had immediately reported her missing on the hiking trip to the Emergency Triple Zero authorities.

[D2]  Lily’s cause of death, circumstances and details have not yet been officially  confirmed legally/publicly.  Acknowledged, the family is presumable still in shock and grieving her loss.

[D3]  Sketchy and conflicting media accounts (including misinformation – not disinformation) publicly reported has been of the presumption that Lily likely became disoriented as darkness set it and accidently fell off one of the rugged cliff escarpment edges with a series of perilous unfenced drops.  Yet such factual evidence has not yet been publicly confirmed as investigated by NSW Police (being the NSW Government authority in charge of and ultimately responsible this search and rescue effort).

[E]  The Type of this Hiking Trip?

[E1]  Why choose Bonnum Pic Trail?    This is not publicly reported so the reason is unknown to this author.

Presumptive logic would suggest perhaps:

• Ready proximity to Oakdale
• Previous familiarity
• A manageable day hike
• A challenge
• Wilderness experience.
• Nattai (wilderness) National Park is geographically adjacent west of Lily’s family Oakdale semi-rural old (1870s) village, so to an outdoor enthusiast Nattai would be a regular trip lure.
• The Bonnum Pic Trail offers wild natural panoramic scenery from a ridgetop.

 

 

[E2]  The area is in the Nattai National Park of the Blue Mountains region in Australia

[E3]  The transport route to the start/end of Bonnum Pic Trail

 

This aerial map shows the most direct road route between Oakdale and the car park start/finish approachng Mount Wanganderry.

 

 

The local route avoids joining the busy Hume Motorway (M31) using counrty roads instead and the road distance each way is a reasonable 74km.

 

The AllTrails website provides useful guidance and mapping of the trail itself.

 

[E4]  The particular trail is referred to as Bonnum Pic Trail.  This trail is remote and rough and mostly ascends up along a clifftop escarpment line

[E5]  This trail is generally rated Grade 5 meaning ‘Difficult’ and suitable only for experienced hikers.

[F]  Characteristics of this Hiking Route?

[F1]:  Nattai National Park?

 

“The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages the 8 adjacent conservation reserves that make up the Greater Blue Mountains Area:

 

1. Blue Mountains National Park
2. Gardens of Stone National Park
3. Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
4. Kanangra–Boyd National Park
5. Nattai National Park  **
6. Thirlmere Lakes National Park
7. Wollemi National Park
8. Yengo National Park.”

 

SOURCE:  ^https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/protected-areas/world-heritage-listed-areas/greater-blue-mountains

 

 

 

 

[F2]:  A Difficult Hiking Trail

A popular Internet source about the characteristics of the Bonnum Pic Trail is the All Trails website’s webpage, which states:

“Experienced bushwalkers seeking a rugged wilderness test in Nattai National Park will find a formidable challenge on the track to Bonnum Pic. The route follows a dramatic sandstone ridgeline but requires significant self-reliance, as post-fire regrowth has made the trail overgrown and difficult to identify, often necessitating heavy bush bashing through prickly scrub.

Navigation skills and a GPS are essential, as the path frequently disappears.

The final approach to the peak involves hazardous rock scrambling with significant exposure, and some hikers recommend carrying a rope to safely negotiate the steep, exposed sections.

Those who manage the technical terrain are rewarded with commanding views over the Nattai Gorge and surrounding cliffs.”

[SOURCE:  ^https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/bonnum-pic]

We note the mention above of the following cautions to prospective hikers about the precarious condition of the trail:

• Post-fire regrowth has made the trail overgrown
• (This trail being) difficult to identify
• (This trail) often necessitating heavy bush bashing through prickly scrub
• Navigation skills and a GPS are essential, as the path frequently disappears.
• The final approach to the peak involves hazardous rock scrambling with significant exposure (to cliff falls)
• Some hikers recommend carrying a rope to safely negotiate the steep, exposed sections.

F3:

 

F4:

• Rocky exposed ridgeline, no lookout fencing
• Wild and remote
• Grade 5 ‘Difficult’
• [TBA]

[G]  The ‘Group’s’ Experience and Knowledge?

• It appears that there was no ‘group’ on Lily’s hiing trip, instead this was a solo hiking trip by Lily
• It is not known to this author about Lily’s hiking background, experience, or outdoor recreation training, or qualifications if any
• Lily’ previous knowledge of this trail is not confirmed, however media reports  (Facebook) suggest she had undertaken this trail once previously
• Not known was Lily’s situation – fitness, health, motivation, expectations, guidance, footwear, hiking attiure, day hiking kit, carried in drinking water, sustenance head space, pressures/deadlines, choice framework, risk tolerance, etc?  Such knowledge may be with family, search and rescuers, NSW Police Rescue recovery crew, the NSW coroner (there are many in the NSW Coroners role by the way).  At the time of writing, Her Honour Magistrate Teresa O’Sullivan is the New South Wales State Coroner.

[H]  The Trip Research and Preparation?

 

• This is not known to this author at the time of writing
• However, for many young hikers, the Internet tends to be the ‘go to’  popular reference source for enquiring and researching potential hiking trails.
• Such privately operated website are of course not official (ie: not government run in the case of visiting/hiking national parks in Australia.  So such websites are private and at the behest of the website owner(s) to choose to publish what they wish.  Such websites may not be updated for some months, nor provide professional trip  guidance, evaluation, nor planning information.   They are usually brief and yet include feedback from actual hikers who have hiked the trail, which should be beneficial but treated with a grain of salt.
• One such privately operated website focusing on hiking trail information specifications, mapping and feedback is All Trails, whihc has an Australian dedicated subdomain – check: ^https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/bonnum-pic. We note that this website charges a subscription for all its trails information at a current rate of just AUD $36/year.

 

[I]  The Hiking Conditions?

[I1]  Trail conditions? 

Reportedly overgrown due to NPWS recent hazard reduction?

[I2]  Weather conditions?

A nearby weather station to Bonnum Pic is at Yerranderie which is located just 10km northward (see map below).

A closer weather station to Bonnum Pic is at ‘High Range’ located about 300m east of Mount Wanganderry’s summit, which is itself located just 7km southward of Bonnum Pic. (see map below).

 

 

The following actual weather records at High Range (Mount Wanganderry) from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are as shown below.  Note: 12th August 2026 being the day Lily was hiking.  The temperatures are much lower, especially overnight down to 5^o Celsius.  The elevation of Bonnum Pic is 594m being 237m below the elevation of Mount Wanganderry at 831m, or in comparative terms Bonnum Pic is 30% lower in elevation than Mount Wanganderry.  Plus note the actual recorded wind gust speed approaching 60kph (see below).

Now, the combination of low temperatures with high wind gusts contribute to a wind chill factor.   So consider the following calculation:

Whilsts Bonnum Pic is not as high as High Range, this does indicate that the cold weather could have probably been one causal factor contributing to Lily’s hiking demise, depending upon the thermals she was wearing, and how the cold may have affected her state of mind at the time.   Details are not known.

[I3]   ‘Last Light’ at Bonnum Pic?

 

Darkness in remote areas is typically pitch black.  Outdoor Recreation trip planning necessitates allowance for last light, plus professionally allowing a few hours buffer in reserve beforehand for contingencies (unexpected delays) so as to safely time the end location of a remote trip, such as hiking.

The actual Last Light schedule at the BOM’s nearby ‘High Range’ weather station on 12th August 2026 was approaching 6pm, being in mid-winter, so featuring shorter daylight hours than during summer.  See simple table extract below.

 

 

Media Report Extract:

“When she (Lily) 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.”

SOURCE: See above ARTICLE #5:  ‘Search continues for missing bushwalker – Southern Highlands’   (Saturday, 2026-08-15, NSW Police media website).

 

Our presumptions, questions and comments in hindsight about this unexpected scenario are as follows:

1. Day Trip:  Lily’s hiking trip was presumably intended as a day trip duration, not to be an overnight trek involving camping
2. Trip Plan:  Lily wisely should have made a Trip Plan, which necessitates trip research (route, hazards, risks, closure alerts, fitness and skills required), trip preparation – a realistic transport route/schedule, hiking route/schedule, conditions forecast, carrying a full day hiking kit, kit required, trail and weather conditions, plus packed allowances for contingencies – 2+ litres of drinking water, food sustenance, thermals, full body raingear, head torches x 3 (with batteries), benighted kit, a current and tested PLB.
3.  Trip Notification:  This is not known, but a 10pm non-return deadline is unsafely too late to trigger contacting Emergency Triple Zero – Police (Rescue).  We recommend handing a backup family member/trusted reliable buddy a copy of your full final Trip Plan, to agree to monitoring your schedule throughout the trip, to agree to maintain communications and especially deadline communications.  This is a professional standard backup part of trip planning for any Outdoors Recreation trip, such as a hiking trip.  Such is a recommended in Outdoor Recreational circles as for instance part of TAFE Outdoor Recreation training, compulsory in bushwalking clubs, mandatory with commercial tour operators, similarly with any private solo individuals/groups to have a Plan B contingency for incidents and emergency scenarios.  It’s just part of sensible prepared risk management when venturing into the wild.
4.  “Initial inquiries indicate Lily reached the summit of Bunnum Pic about mid-morning; however, there’s been no further contact since that time.” This reported mid-morning coms timing (say 9am-10am) from Lily on the day of her hiking trip would have been encouraging.  For Lily to have “reached the summit” she must have started early by transport and hiking to achieve that milestone destination.
5.  But something then afterwards (10am-10pm) happened to Lily.  That is a 12 hour duration. What happened, where and when is not known to this author.  Once media report (likely from NSW Police media) was that Lily had:
   1. Parked her vehicle at the Bonum Pic standard car park reached her outbound destinationOne still posits possible foul play.
6. The 10pm time of calling Emergency to report Lily missing was tragically likely too late.  It had been 4 hours after dark with no coms received from Lily.

A scenario emergency contingency scenario Coms Deadline Triggers:

1. 1. ‘I shall phone you by not later than 3pm that I have safely arrived back at my car at Wanganderry Car Park Start/End of Bonnum Pic Trail’
   2. ‘If you have not heard from me or been able to contyat and speak to me by 3:30pm, please consider an incident may have occurred to me’
   3. If you have not been able to contact me by 4pm then phone Emergency Triple Zero for Police to initiate a missing person search.

 

“When she (Lily) 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.”

 

 

 

[J] Hiking Decision Making? 

 

• Before the hiking trip  (TBA)
• During the hiking trip (TBA)
• Changed circumstances enroute?  (TBA)

Posited Scenarios/Alternates?

 

• Hiking timing?
• Alternative trails?
• Hiking group participation?
• Overnight camp due to transport distance from Oakdale?
• [TBA]

Any Lessons Learned?

 

• Takeaway insights in hindsight [TBA]

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References and Further Reading:

[1]  ‘Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar and SES Commander Colin Malone provided an update after a body believed to be hiker Lily Hooper was located in the Nattai National Park.’

The 18-year-old left her home on August 12 (2026) for a hike, but her car was later found near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail car park start, so sparking an almost 400-person search…

^https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-20/missing-18-year-old-bushwalker-lily-hooper-found/107045898

 

[2]  ‘What Happened To Lily Hooper? Everything We Know About The Tragic Search For The Teen‘, 2026-08-21, by Writer Caitlin Napier, Maria Claire media, ^https://www.marieclaire.com.au/news/lily-hooper-bushwalker-body-found/

What Happened To Lily Hooper? Everything We Know About The Tragic Search For The Teen

[3]   ‘Investigation launched into bungle that saw teen Lily Hooper wrongly declared alive‘, 2026-08-20, Cydonee Mardon, News Corp, ^https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/investigation-launched-into-bungle-that-saw-teen-lily-hooper-wrongly-declared-alive/news-story/4281ecb9ccc27b24995956123ea05113

 

“A code word was meant to protect the family of missing teenager Lily Hooper when her body was tragically found. Instead it was broadcast to the nation.”

[4]  ‘Search continues for missing bushwalker – Southern Highlands‘,  Saturday, 2026-08-15, NSW Police website, ^https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news_article?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMTI2OTk2Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D

[5]   ‘Heartbreaking tributes for teenage hiker Lily Hooper after 18yo’s body found following desperate 8-day search‘,  2026-08-20, by Alexandra Feiam and David Hannant, of NewsWire (News Corp), ^https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/hiker-lily-hooper-18-found-after-eight-days-in-nsw-southern-highlands/news-story/653a6cabb11031bb7a3c0594f8797e12

[6]  ‘Bonnum Pic‘, (being a prominent scenic rocky outcrop on a remote ridge), by Bushwalking NSW, ^https://bushwalkingnsw.com/walk.php?nid=826

[7]  ‘Bonnum Pic‘, by AllTrails, ^https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/bonnum-pic

[8]  ‘Family of lost hiker Lily Hooper urge ‘Lily’s Law’ after tragic death‘, 2026-08-24, by Joanne Williamson and Andrew Hedgman, News Corp, ^https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/she-wanted-to-be-famous-heartbroken-father-of-lily-hooper-asks-for-tribute/news-story/1d22a28e494f6f4cc386f459caafffdc

[9]   ‘Bushwalker who survived kidney failure on NSW wilderness walk warns of tough conditions‘, 2024-03-31, by Sue Daniel, ABC media, ^https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-31/bushwalker-near-death-blue-mountains-wilderness-walk/103626960

[10]  ‘Rescue from the K2K Kanangra to Katoomba route‘,  2019-10-10, by Caro Ryan, Lotsafreshair.com, ^https://lotsafreshair.com/rescue-from-the-k2k-kanangra-to-katoomba-route/

[11]  ‘Coroner’s Finding: David Balthazar Iredale (deceased)‘, date of death: 2006-12-11, Finding date: 2009-05-07, ^https://www.coronial.com.au/finding/nsw-legacy-iredalefindings.

“A 17-year-old final year high school student died from dehydration on 11 December 2006 during a bushwalk in the Blue Mountains National Park undertaking what he believed was a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.

After becoming separated from companions during descent to Kedumba River, he made seven emergency calls (one to police, five to ambulance) but received ineffective assistance due to critical systemic failures in NSW Ambulance Service protocols and training.

Call handlers repeatedly demanded street addresses despite obvious bushland context, failed to override computer systems designed for urban emergencies, and did not effectively record or relay vital information to rescue services. Contributing factors included inadequate water planning by the three boys, insufficient supervision and approval of the expedition by Sydney Grammar School, hot weather (>37°C), taking a wrong turn, and the deceased’s separation from companions.

The search and rescue response was timely given available information, but earlier access to recorded calls would have enabled faster location and recovery. The coroner identified critical systemic deficiencies in triple 0 emergency call centre operations and made extensive recommendations for protocols reform across multiple agencies.”

[12]  ‘Inquest hears mother’s tearful recount of son’s last call home‘,  2009-04-20, ABC media, ^https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-04-20/inquest-hears-mothers-tearful-recount-of-sons-last/1656660

 

“The mother of a teenage bushwalker who died in the Blue Mountains in 2006 has described her final conversation with her son to a coronial inquest.

Maryanne Iredale held back tears while giving evidence at the inquest into her son’s death.

David Iredale died after becoming separated from two companions on a bushwalk near Katoomba in 2006.

He was doing the walk in the hope that it would count towards a silver Duke of Edinburgh award.

His parents Stephen and Maryanne Iredale have both given evidence at the inquest into his death, being held in Penrith this morning.

 

Last call home

His mother told the inquest the 17-year-old called home on the second morning of his walk, just three hours before he got lost.  She said he called to wish his brother a happy birthday.

The inquest heard David Iredale asked his mother if she had eaten the mango ice-cream she had made at home, and he said he could do with some of that.

Mrs Iredale said that comment made her think he was thirsty, but he did not sound distressed.

When asked if David Iredale received a map of the walk from his teacher Mr Forbes, Mrs Iredale said definitely.

His father, Dr Iredale, told the inquest he was not worried about his son doing the walk in the middle of summer without adults, because he thought it was an activity under the direct supervision of the school.  He said the Year 11 student showed him a form he had received from the school outlining the planned trip.

Both parents told the inquest that the teacher in charge of the awards programme, Mr Forbes, forgot to lend their son a GPS for the walk.

 

Friend gives evidence

One of David Iredale’s school mates, Brian Ng, also gave evidence.

He said he did not go on the walk because his parents would not let him, but he said he had already been on an unsupervised bushwalk in Hornsby with six of his friends in Year 10.  When asked if his teacher Mr Forbes organised that walk, he answered, probably.”

[13]  ‘Safer Roads and Highways Group‘ (SARAH), ^https://sarahgroup.org/founder

Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group was set up by Sarah’s father Peter Frazer to ensure more lives are not lost through preventable and clearly foreseeable situations like the one that took Sarah’s life.

“Peter Frazer OAM, President of SARAH Group, has over 40 years’ experience in economic analysis, research, law enforcement & compliance policy, investigations, strategic & operational intelligence, and project management as well as social justice advocacy.  On 15 February 2012, Peter’s daughter Sarah was killed by a truck driver in a completely avoidable crash on the Hume Freeway in New South Wales. Since then, he has dedicated his life to improving road safety in Australia and overseas. In March 2012, Peter founded SARAH (Safer Australian Roads and Highways), colloquially known as SarahGroup. Since then, he has used his more than 40 years’ experience in social justice, policy, research, law enforcement and intelligence, to not only positively influence government, corporate and community road safety advocacy, but legislative and infrastructure reform. He created and remains the driving force behind Australia’s National Road Safety Week, as well as the nation’s road safety symbol, the “Yellow Ribbon”.”

[14]  ‘Tributes flow for Lily – a “beautiful spirit” ‘, 2026-08-22, by Max Aldred, AAP, ^https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/tributes-flow-for-lily-a-beautiful-spirit

[15]  ‘Distress beacon borrowing programme proposed after teen hiker’s death‘,
Tue 2026-08-25, by Brooke Chandler, ABC Illawarra, ^https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/council-to-establish-safety-program-in-memory-of-teen-hiker/107074896

“In short:

Wollondilly Council has promised to establish a bushwalker safety program after the death of 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper.

Mayor Matt Gould said idea for the program, which would include a distress beacon for hikers, was developed in consultation with Ms Hooper’s family.

What’s next?

The council will collaborate with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on the delivery of the programme.”

A local community tribute this week remembering Lily, outside Oakdale Public School: