The search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper has entered its seventh day after the experienced bushwalker disappeared during a solo hike in Nattai National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands. Emergency services, Defence personnel and specialist search teams continue working across difficult terrain, with Lily’s family and the wider community holding onto hope for her safe return.
Lily left her home in Oakdale, south-west Sydney, at about 8am on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, after telling her family she intended to go hiking in Nattai National Park. When she did not return home by about 10pm and could not be contacted, her family reported her missing and police began inquiries.
About 11pm that night, police located Lily’s car parked on Wanganderry Road near the beginning of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail at High Range. Initial police inquiries indicated that Lily had reached the summit of Bonnum Pic around mid-morning, but there has been no confirmed contact with her since.
A major multi-agency search was subsequently established, involving NSW Police, Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW SES, Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and specialist aviation resources. Police aviation, drones, rescue teams, trail-bike units, mounted and dog units and helicopters have all been involved in efforts to locate the teenager.
The scale of the operation has continued to grow as the days have passed. On Wednesday, close to 100 Australian Defence Force personnel joined the search, with around 200 emergency services and Defence personnel involved that day, alongside more than 260 SES volunteers supporting the wider operation. Search crews are working from a forward command post at High Range and continuing coordinated searches on the ground and from the air.
The environment has presented significant challenges for search teams. Nattai National Park contains dense bushland, steep drops, ravines, creek lines and cliff areas, with thick tree cover also making aerial searches more difficult. Authorities have described parts of the search area as exceptionally rugged, requiring specialist personnel to move carefully through difficult terrain.
Police have repeatedly emphasised that Lily is an experienced bushwalker, and this remains an important reason for cautious hope. Reports indicate she has previously undertaken challenging hikes, including a three-day trek around Mount Kosciuszko. However, authorities have also said they do not know exactly what supplies or protective clothing she had with her when she went hiking.
Winter conditions have added another concern. Temperatures in the Southern Highlands have fallen significantly overnight, creating additional challenges for anyone exposed to the elements. Lily was last known to have been wearing a shirt and shorts, although police have said they cannot confirm what additional clothing or equipment she may have been carrying.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Lily’s family has continued to express hope and gratitude towards the emergency services and volunteers involved. In a statement released through NSW Police, the family said they were “absolutely devastated” by her disappearance and desperately wanted to bring her home safely. They also thanked emergency services and volunteers for their continued commitment, including work carried out overnight.
The family has also asked members of the public not to conduct independent searches because of the challenging terrain and conditions. Instead, they have requested that professional search teams continue the operation. Authorities have similarly urged people to provide information or potential footage rather than entering the search area themselves.
The search has meanwhile brought together people from across the local community. Residents in the Wollondilly area have shown their support through the #lightsonforlily initiative, with people encouraged to leave their lights on as a symbol of hope. Community organisations have also rallied around Lily’s family during the ongoing search.
Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was in or around the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, Wanganderry Road or Nattai National Park on Wednesday, 12 August. Anyone who may have seen Lily, walked the trail or captured relevant dashcam or other footage could potentially assist investigators in establishing her movements.
Lily is described by police as being about 175cm tall with a slim build, long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last known to be wearing a shirt and shorts. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Moss Vale Police Station on 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly confirmed what happened to Lily, and there is no basis for speculation about the circumstances of her disappearance. Police continue to treat the matter as an ongoing search and rescue operation, with resources being directed towards locating her and bringing her home safely.
For Lily’s family, the seventh day marks another difficult milestone, but the search continues. Emergency personnel and volunteers remain focused on the extensive task of covering the rugged landscape, while the community continues to show its support. The priority remains clear: to locate Lily and reunite her safely with her family.
How the public can help
Anyone who may have information about Lily’s movements, may have seen her in or around Nattai National Park on 12 August, or has potentially relevant footage should contact police or Crime Stoppers. The public is asked not to enter the search area independently, given the difficult and potentially dangerous conditions.
Moss Vale Police Station: 02 4869 7899
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
