ADF joins expanded search as missing bushwalker's ordeal stretches into second week

The Australian Defence Force has deployed nearly 100

The Australian Defence Force has deployed nearly 100 personnel to assist in the ground and air hunt for Lily Hooper, the 29-year-old bushwalker who disappeared in Nattai National Park a week ago. The military contingent, which includes combat engineers and aviation assets, began arriving on Wednesday to bolster a civilian operation that has so far covered more than 500 square kilometers of rugged terrain.

Police coordinating the search say the decision to bring in the ADF reflects the challenging nature of the landscape, which features deep gorges, thick eucalyptus forest, and limited access points. Crews have been using drones, thermal imaging, and scent-detection dogs, but heavy rain over the weekend hampered visibility and forced several teams to withdraw temporarily.

Hooper, an experienced hiker from the Blue Mountains area, set out on a planned two-day trek last Tuesday and failed to return. Her family, who have remained at a nearby command post, released a statement thanking volunteers and emergency services, while urging anyone with possible sightings to come forward. They described her as resilient and resourceful, expressing hope she has found shelter near a water source.

Search operations are now focusing on a cluster

Search operations are now focusing on a cluster of valleys west of the Nattai River, where recent satellite imagery revealed fresh movement that could be human. Authorities caution, however, that the signal may also be from wild horses or other animals. A police spokesperson said the ADF's involvement will enable continuous overnight coverage for the first time, significantly extending the search window.

Local residents and outdoor groups have joined the effort, setting up supply depots and offering four-wheel-drive support to reach remote trailheads. The search is expected to continue through the weekend, with weather forecasts predicting clear skies and cooler temperatures, which could improve conditions for both ground teams and aerial reconnaissance.